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Protect your smile: How to effectively prevent tooth loss and protect oral health?
Tooth loss is a common phenomenon, but it's not always normal. Losing baby teeth in young people is a natural process, but tooth loss in adults is often caused by disease or injury. Research shows that tooth loss not only affects oral health, but also has a negative impact on overall health and may lead to psychological problems such as depression.
Normal tooth loss
In children, tooth loss usually begins at age six and continues between the ages of twelve and twelve. During this time, deciduous teeth are gradually replaced by permanent teeth in a specific sequence:
The upper and lower central incisors are usually lost between the ages of six and seven; the upper and lower lateral incisors are lost between the ages of seven and eight; the upper canines are lost between the ages of ten and twelve; and the lower canines are lost between the ages of ten and twelve. Drops between the ages of nine and twelve.
In addition, the upper and lower first molars fall out between the ages of nine and eleven, while the upper and lower second molars fall out between the ages of ten and twelve.
Pathological tooth loss
Causes and Prevention
As we age, permanent teeth are affected by forces such as normal chewing and may be exposed to abnormal forces such as grinding and traumatic injury. In addition, oral diseases are also one of the main factors affecting dental health.
The most effective way to prevent tooth loss is to prevent the occurrence of oral diseases. The leading causes of tooth loss include tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay is mainly caused by bacterial invasion caused by the accumulation of dental plaque on the tooth surface, and continued untreated tooth decay will lead to tooth destruction.
Good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing, can significantly reduce the risk of tooth loss.
Dental exams every six months are also key to protecting your teeth.
For people who play contact sports, using dental guards and face coverings such as football helmets can reduce the risk of oral trauma. Using a mouthguard at night is also an effective way to prevent nighttime teeth grinding.
Other influencing factors
Research has pointed out that there is a clear correlation between smoking and tooth loss in the United States, Japan, Germany, Italy and other countries. Research shows that increased smoking increases the risk of tooth loss, and conversely, quitting smoking reduces the chance of tooth loss.
Adequate nutritional intake is essential for dental health. Intake of necessary nutrients can keep tooth enamel strong. However, tooth loss is more common among people with poorer economic status.
Impact of disease
Many diseases may indirectly cause tooth loss. These diseases can lead to periodontal disease or bone loss, which can accelerate tooth loss. Common diseases associated with tooth loss include cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and diabetes.
Replacements for missing teeth
While protecting and maintaining the integrity of your natural teeth is your best option, there are three basic alternatives when teeth are lost: fixed bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Each option has its pros and cons.
Non-removable alternatives, such as dental bridges or dental implants, offer patients the best sense of security and well-being.
In some cases, small defects can be repaired through techniques such as resin bridging or Maryland bridging.
Future research
A Japanese research team has successfully regenerated fully functional teeth in mice. They extracted epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells from mice, cultivated tooth "embryos", and implanted them into the bone of the tooth defect.
Ultimately, this technology may become a future treatment option for replacing missing teeth.
Conclusion
Maintaining good oral hygiene and living a healthy lifestyle not only prevents tooth loss but also promotes overall health. Have you started paying attention to your dental health and taking action to protect them?
