Tooth loss is fairly common in adults, even though teeth are designed to last a lifetime. Regular visits to the dentist can help prevent the causes of tooth loss.
Key takeaways:
- Gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss, causing an infection which damages the roots of your teeth.
- As we get older, we produce less protective saliva, placing adults at an increased risk of tooth loss.
- A cracked or chipped tooth which goes untreated can lead to an infection and potentially a tooth extraction.
“Early tooth decay generally causes very few or no symptoms at all. As the cavity progresses, it can affect the entire tooth to the point that it needs to be extracted, or will eventually fall out.”
