Your teeth are taken for granted and are an invaluable asset. By not treating your teeth properly, you can actually lose teeth, deal with damaging decay, and suffer from unnecessary pain or serious tooth issues. Here are some causes which might lead to you having a tooth break off and how you can treat it.
Tooth Decay
The primary cause of tooth loss is tooth decay. This means more than a cavity that gets filled but more extensive decay that attacks the pulp and the tooth root, killing the live tissue in the root resulting in the tooth loosening, breaking off or falling out. Tooth decay can be treated in many ways. To start, you need to be brushing twice a day to remove harmful bacteria and food debris from your teeth to prevent any cavities or decay from starting. You should schedule regular preventative exams with your dentist every six months to have your teeth examined and professionally cleaned as well as having them treated if necessary. Your dentist will propose what treatment might be beneficial for you.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is another leading cause of tooth loss. Your gums are the supporting foundation for your teeth. If your gums become infected and have a stage of gum disease, the soft tissue will pull away from your teeth allowing bacteria and other damaging contaminants easier access to the roots. If the gums have become compromised your teeth will become loose, wiggly, break off or even fall out. A proactive way to both treat and prevent this kind of tooth loss is to improve the health of your gums.
Take the time to brush thoroughly twice daily, including dental flossing between your teeth, and add a mouthwash to help control and destroy bacteria. Consistent visits to your dentist to examine your gums will make sure they are healthy and can continue to support your teeth.
Accidents
A common cause of a tooth breaking is an accident. This often means falling, breaking off a tooth, causing an infected root and then resulting in the tooth dying and falling out. If you can see your dentist quickly while the root is still alive, they may be able to reattach the broken tooth with a splint. In most cases, accidental tooth loss will require treatment to restore the tooth or to replace it.
Bone Loss
Yet another cause for a broken tooth or tooth loss, is from bone loss. As we age our bones lose density which then lead to the atrophy of your jawbone. If you lose considerable bone mass this will also affect the overall health and condition of your teeth. If your teeth are no longer secure and stable in a strong jawbone, they can break off. A way to prevent bone loss is to take supplements which can help protect the integrity and density of your bones. Your dentist can also identify when bone loss is becoming an issue and reversing bone loss earlier, so it does not affect the overall health of your teeth.