In our ongoing exploration of the causes and consequences of tooth loss, we’ve looked at the detrimental effect missing teeth can have on your oral and overall health. We’ve also discussed risk factors for adult tooth loss that you can control through at-home hygiene and lifestyle modification. Today, we’re delving into risk factors for tooth loss that might be beyond your control and offering a few easy-to-follow tips for maintaining a high level of oral health despite the odds.
Risk Factors for Tooth Loss that You Can’t Control
Sometimes, life isn’t fair. One person might munch on Skittles and drink Coke all day while another person brushes and flosses like a champ but still gets gum disease. Unfortunately, some people may be at a higher risk for developing due to risk factors outside of their control, including:
- Diabetes. This chronic disorder severely impairs the body’s ability to recover from gum inflammation and oral infections. In addition, uncontrolled blood sugar encourages the growth of harmful oral bacteria.
- Family history. If your parents lost their teeth to gum disease or had weak enamel that was especially susceptible to decay, you are more likely to have similar oral health problems.
- Age. People over 50 are much more likely to have serious oral health problems.
- Gender. Men have a higher risk for developing gum disease, especially after age 50.
- Hormonal changes in women. Girls and women going through the hormonal fluctuations associated with puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause have an increased risk for gum disease.
- Other chronic health conditions. Diseases that cause dry mouth and auto-immune illnesses.
- Lack of access to fluoride. If you live in an area that does not have fluoridated water, you might be at a higher risk for developing tooth decay.
Keep Your Teeth Despite the Risks
Your first step to enjoying better oral health and keeping your teeth for life is to talk to your dentist if you have any of these risk factors. He can recommend a more aggressive at-home hygiene routine and preventive care schedule to control oral health problems before they reach a critical stage.
About Shawn Hofkes, DDS
With advanced training in oral and maxillofacial surgery and certification in oral and IV sedation, Shawn Hofkes, DDS is qualified to provide dental implant services including implant dentures from our state-of-the-art dentist office in Cerritos, CA. To schedule your appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today. We proudly serve patients of all ages from Cerritos, Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and all surrounding communities.
