It is important that you maintain good dental hygiene and visit the dentist on a regular basis to avoid cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, or any other complications which may result in missing teeth. Missing teeth can be very distressing and they can have a lot of consequences. They can have a negative impact on all aspects of your life from your self-confidence and self-esteem to your overall health and well-being. Contrary to popular belief, our teeth are designed to last for the whole of our lives. Ageing is not a cause of tooth loss. Rather, tooth loss is mainly caused by tooth decay and gum disease. It is also caused by certain lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive drinking and drug abuse. Unfortunately, tooth loss can sometimes be caused as a result of certain medical conditions, or a patient may be in an accident or sustain an injury to the mouth which knocks out their teeth. Some of these factors can be avoided whilst others cannot.
Tooth decay and gum disease
Tooth decay and gum disease can be avoided if you maintain excellent dental hygiene and if you visit the dentist at least once every six months. Tooth decay and gum disease occur when plaque and tartar build up on the surface of your teeth. Excess plaque and tartar build up if you do not brush your teeth properly. Millions of bacteria inhabit the plaque and tartar and they release acids and toxins which are responsible for cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. If you visit the dentist on time then this can be reversed and the dentist can help restore the health of your teeth and gums. If you avoid the dentist then tooth decay and gum disease can be irreversible and you will either lose the tooth or have to undergo a tooth extraction.
Poor diet and lifestyle choices
Other factors which can be controlled include your dietary habits and your lifestyle choices. Maintaining a healthy diet helps promote good dental health and well-being. Poor dietary choices such as eating lots of sweet, sticky treats, and fizzy drinks are harmful for your teeth and increase the chance of developing irreversible tooth decay. If you do enjoy a sweet treat or a fizzy drink, it is important that you rinse your mouth and brush your teeth afterwards as otherwise you encourage the bacteria in your mouth to release more acids and toxins and cause greater damage to your teeth and gums. You can also avoid certain lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking, and drug abuse. These have a huge detrimental impact on your dental health and again result in premature tooth loss. By maintaining good dental hygiene, visiting the dentist on a regular basis and making the right dietary choices and lifestyle choices your teeth will last for the rest of your life.
Dental implant Melbourne
If you have to undergo a tooth extraction or have lost a tooth then it is important that you speak to your dentist as soon as possible and find out about replacing that missing tooth. One of the most popular ways of replacing a missing tooth is with a dental implant Melbourne. A dental implant Melbourne is a small titanium screw which can be inserted directly into the bone socket of your missing tooth. It serves as a strong and sturdy, permanent foundation for a customised crown or a set of dentures to replace your missing tooth. A dental implant Melbourne can last for the rest of your life which is why it is such a popular choice for replacing missing teeth. The prosthetic remains fixed in place as well which helps restore the appearance of your smile as well as the function of your mouth depending on the position of the tooth.
The number of dental implants that you need vary from patient to patient and depend on how many teeth you are replacing. Even patients who are replacing the same number of teeth may need a different number of implants depending on their unique dental needs. Your dentist will carry out a thorough examination of your remaining teeth, your gums, and your jawbone and put together an individually tailored treatment plan for you. The process itself can take more than six months which is why it is very important that you speak to your dentist as soon as you lose your tooth or undergo a tooth extraction so that you can begin replacing it immediately. The quicker you begin, the less complications you will face and the earlier you will be able to enjoy the benefits of a replacement tooth. Speak to your dentist today to find out more.
Disclaimer
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.