Often, people who do not have a perfect smile lack self-confidence. To achieve a beautiful smile, it’s important to take care of your oral health. Comprehensive everyday oral care ensures a healthy mouth. Poor dental health can lead to tooth loss and gum disease. But tooth loss can sometimes occur due to an accident. Whether you want to avoid losing a tooth or want to address tooth loss, you should rely on comprehensive Maryville, TN dental services. Your dentist knows what solution is best for your oral health situation. 

Causes of Tooth Loss

Sometimes, it takes some time to lose a tooth. It can occur over months or years, and tooth loss may not result from the same problem. Every person loses a tooth for various reasons, such as the following:

  • Dental cavities. Cavities can result from poor dental health habits. When left unaddressed, they can cause serious tooth decay and tooth loss. 
  • Overall health problems. To keep your body in shape, you must have optimal health. Poor health can also impact your oral health, and you can lose a tooth because of it. For instance, poor nutrition can weaken your teeth and impact your overall oral health. Also, diabetes increases your risk of tooth loss and gum disease as it lowers the ability of your body to fight infections and fully heal. In addition, arthritis and hypertension may cause tooth loss.  
  • Injury or trauma. Whatever physical activity you take part in increases your risk of losing at least one tooth. A serious injury or trauma can result in your tooth dying over time. You could lose a tooth due to a car accident, sports accident, or a fall. You can prevent this by wearing a mouthguard when playing sports.

In addition, you must avoid bad habits that can lead to teeth trauma. These include opening caps or food packages using your teeth.

  • Gum disease. This gum infection results in gum damage and jawbone destruction. Although it’s a common cause of tooth loss, it can be prevented.

Impacts of Tooth Loss on Your Jaw

Apart from being a cosmetic concern, tooth loss can also impact your jawbone health. Once you lose a tooth, the empty socket can result in severe jaw issues when not treated. The lack of stimulation from the natural tooth results in bone loss and jaw shrinkage. Because of this, you need to have the tooth you lost replaced as soon as possible. One of the best solutions you can consider is a dental implant. But your dentist can introduce other teeth replacement options and walk you through the pros and cons of each.