The tricky thing about your dental health is that it’s dynamic. Your smile may be as healthy as possible one day, and then be at a high risk of tooth loss just a few months later. That’s especially true if you have periodontal disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults in the United States. Fortunately, tooth loss doesn’t always have to happen, and your risks for it don’t have to fluctuate. With consistently good hygiene, regular preventive care from your dentist, and expert periodontal treatment when necessary, patients in Encinitas/San Diego can significantly boost their chances of preventing tooth loss.
Know Your Risk Factors First
Everyone’s risks for tooth loss are unique, but for many of them, periodontal disease is the greatest one. However, you might also be at risk due to things like smoking or chewing tobacco, the presence of a tooth infection, accidental trauma, and more. You can mitigate your risks of periodontal disease by emphasizing cleaning your gums whenever you brush and floss your teeth, and by attending every preventive dental health appointment that your dentist or periodontist recommends. You can control other tooth loss risks by treating any tooth infection or damage that occurs as soon as possible and wearing a protective mouthguard when you play contact sports.
Strengthen Your Preventive Efforts
If you develop periodontal disease, then your risks of tooth loss are immediately higher. Besides the damage it causes, many patients underestimate the seriousness of periodontal disease and don’t seek treatment as soon as they should. To control those risks, visit with your periodontal specialist as soon as you exhibit signs such as bleeding gums, inflammation, loose teeth, and more. With prompt treatment and expert maintenance, you can have a good chance of preventing tooth loss even if you do develop periodontal disease.
Preserve Your Smile Better by Preventing Tooth Loss
Despite how frequently it occurs, tooth loss is highly preventable if you consistently practice good hygiene and preventive oral health measures. For more information on how to prevent tooth loss, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.