Our Monroe, LA dental office led by Dr. David Finley wants to remind our patients that there are several health factors that can affect the state of your smile. If you’re over the age of 35, your risk for tooth loss increases drastically. It becomes more important than ever to stay on top of your dental health.
Be sure to visit us every six months for teeth cleanings and exams and if you have concerns in between, you can always schedule a consultation with Dr. Finley. Just call us at 318-323-9303 or use our online form.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease is completely avoidable with preventive treatment like good home dental care, which includes brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, and the regular trips to the dentist we mentioned earlier. But, let’s walk through five surprising health causes for tooth loss and what you can do to avoid them.
#1 Pregnancy
If you have pre-existing dental health issues, fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can make them worse. If you’re planning on getting pregnant or are pregnant, discuss ways to keep your teeth in tip-top shape with Dr. Finley. Some helpful tips are:
- Make sure you step up your calcium and vitamin D and continue to do so until breastfeeding is complete (if you choose to breastfeed)
- If you suffer from morning sickness, don’t brush your teeth right away. Wait at least 60 minutes. Rinse your mouth out with water instead to rid it of stomach acid and then follow up with a mouth wash.
- If brushing your teeth is triggering your morning sickness, you might consider switching to a small-head toothbrush.
#2 Stress
Usually stress gets a bad rap for making your hair go gray, but it can cause damage to your teeth too. If you find yourself clenching your jaws through your work day or grinding your teeth at night, it could be a physical manifestation of your stress. This can cause premature wear to your teeth and even lead to gum recession. Budget in some time in your day for activities you find relaxing like meditation, reading, long walks, or listening to music.
#3 Dementia
Maybe you’re looking after an aging parent or are concerned for yourself as you advanced in years, but you should be aware that there is a possible link between tooth loss and dementia. Some researchers suspect it could be due to reduced blood circulation in your head. Many people assume that losing your teeth is just a natural part of getting older, but it doesn’t have to be that way with preventive care.
#4 Cancer
While it’s known by many that chemotherapy can cause damage to the sensitive tissue of your gum and mouth, there are also several different types of cancer that have been linked to severe gum disease:
- Breast
- Lung
- Pancreatic
- Oral
- Upper gastrointestinal
#5 Diabetes
Because diabetes can slow down your body’s ability to fight off infection and heal, it makes it challenging for your gums and teeth to bounce back from dental health issues. For this reason there is a connection between diabetes and tooth loss.
Cosmetic Dentistry & Restorative Dentistry Solutions
If health issues have compromised your beautiful smile, don’t despair! Dr. Finley offers several treatments and procedures that can restore the health and appearance of your teeth:
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Zoom teeth whitening to lift the color of your smile several shades.
- Dental veneers we can adhere small pieces of porcelain or zirconia over your natural teeth for a smile free of visual imperfections.
- Restorative Dentistry
- Dental implants are great looking and feeling way to replace a lost tooth or series of teeth. Dental implants are rooted in your jawbone for a secure, lasting hold.
- Dental crowns and onlays can return strength and shape to your tooth. We offer same-day CEREC crowns.
- Root canal treatment can possibly save a tooth that would otherwise be lost. Dr. Finley will rid your tooth of the infection inside and then seal it off with a crown, so it doesn’t cause you any more pain.
Dealing with health issues is already frustrating enough. You shouldn’t have to struggle with shame every time you smile too. Let Dr. Finley help you care for your teeth during this challenging period in your life. It’s easy to make an appointment with Bayou Dental Group. Call us at 318-323-9303 or use our online form.