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The Secret of Tooth Loss: Do You Know When It's Normal and When It's Dangerous?
Tooth loss is the process by which one or more teeth become loose and then fall out. It is normal for primary teeth (also known as baby teeth) to fall out as they are replaced by adult teeth. However, unless this is the case, tooth loss is usually caused by injury or disease, such as tooth dislocation, tooth decay and periodontal disease. The state of losing teeth is called edentulism, and studies have shown that tooth loss may reduce overall health and well-being and increase the risk of depression.
Tooth replacement for children
Normal loss of primary teeth usually begins around age six and ends by age twelve. The upper and lower central incisors fall out between the ages of six and seven, and the upper and lower lateral incisors fall out between the ages of seven and eight. The canine teeth in the upper jaw fall out between the ages of ten and twelve, while the canine teeth in the lower jaw fall out between the ages of nine and twelve. The first molars on both the upper and lower jaws usually fall out between the ages of nine and eleven, while the second molars fall out between the ages of ten and twelve.
Pathological tooth loss
Causes and Prevention
As you age, your permanent teeth are exposed to normal mechanical forces, such as chewing, and abnormal mechanical forces, such as bruxism or trauma. Permanent teeth can also be affected by oral disease. There are many ways to protect your teeth from loss. The most important way of prevention is to avoid the occurrence of oral diseases.
The main causes of tooth loss include tooth decay and periodontal disease, while tooth decay is usually caused by the accumulation of dental plaque.
If not treated promptly, tooth decay will persist and cause damage to the teeth. At the same time, the growth of dental plaque also affects the health of gums and bones, eventually leading to tooth loss. Gum disease, such as periodontitis, can cause the supporting structures of teeth to pull away, ultimately leading to tooth loss.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular dental checkups can effectively reduce the risk of tooth loss.
Good oral hygiene includes brushing twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and flossing, and dental checkups should be done every six months. Children or adults who are unable to take care of their teeth themselves should also be provided with proper oral hygiene care to prevent tooth loss. During contact sports, wearing a mouth guard and mask can reduce the risk of oral trauma and tooth damage. In certain situations, such as teeth grinding during sleep, using a nighttime mouth guard can also effectively reduce the chance of tooth wear and loss.
Smoking and tooth loss
In some countries, such as the United States, Japan, Germany and Italy, there is a clear relationship between smoking and tooth loss. Studies have shown that increased exposure to smoking increases the risk of tooth loss, while when people stop smoking, the chances of tooth loss are found to decrease. Additionally, good nutrition has also been shown to prevent tooth loss by providing the nutrients needed to maintain the strength of tooth enamel.
Association with Disease
Tooth loss is often associated with a number of medical conditions, which may cause periodontal disease or bone loss, leading to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can lead to infections, which can make a person more susceptible to other diseases. Diseases associated with tooth loss include cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes. Therefore, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene while maintaining your overall health.
Alternatives to losing teeth
Maximum protection and preservation of natural teeth is optimal for eating and chewing. However, when teeth are lost, there are three basic replacement options: fixed dentures, dentures, and dental implants. Each alternative has its pros and cons, and patients need to choose based on their own health, financial, and emotional circumstances. Research shows that non-removable alternatives, such as bridges or dental implants, give patients the best sense of security and well-being. In some cases, small areas of missing teeth can be restored with a resin-bonded bridge or a Maryland bridge.
Research Frontiers
In Japan, researchers have successfully regenerated fully functional teeth in mice. The researchers extracted epithelial and mesenchymal cells from mice, cultured them to produce tooth "buds", and then implanted the buds into the bones of the missing teeth. Eventually, a tooth with the correct external and internal structure, hardness, strength, and sensitivity sprouts in the missing area and meets the opposing tooth in a manner similar to the original natural tooth. This technology may become a treatment option for replacing missing teeth in the future.
In the face of tooth loss, have you ever considered how to improve your oral health?
