Losing one or more of your pearly whites can be a major setback

An incident of losing a tooth can trigger emotional stress, embarrassment and lack of confidence. In some cases, patients might become isolated from family, friends and coworkers. In many cases, tooth loss may negatively impact a person’s quality of life.

While the effects of tooth loss can be draining on your mental, physical and financial health, it’s important for patients to know that tooth loss is avoidable. Being aware of the following risk factors can help prevent tooth loss and improve your overall dental health.

Smoking

Cutting the habit can be tough, as any long-term smoker can attest. What is important to realize is the overwhelming evidence that the addictive ingredients in tobacco products pose serious risks to both a person’s overall well-being and oral health. Repeated exposure to the thousands of chemicals, or carcinogens, in cigarettes and other smoke products can damage oral structures and gum tissue.

Over time, these harmful chemicals can accelerate gum disease and lead to cancerous growths in the mouth. Not to mention, smoking can also cause yellowing and stained teeth, Smoking can also have a dehydrating effect within the mouth. This condition is known as xerostomia, which can cause decay, gum disease and tooth loss.

Poor oral hygiene practices

Failing to follow commonly recommended oral hygiene practices, such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing and seeing the dentists on a regular basis, is a recipe for disaster. That’s because dental neglect is the main underlying cause of tooth loss in adults and children.

As the oral condition goes untreated and ignored, it becomes more difficult to control before it progresses to advanced disease and tooth loss. We can help treat this, however!

Sugary diet

Sweets are delicious, and sugar is addictive, but like many foods, excessive consumption can harm your teeth and your health. Despite the widespread acceptance of this truth, it can be hard for people to pass on sugary foods.

Limiting foods with refined sugars, such as candy, soft drinks and syrups found in a variety of foods, is a good practice. Sugar is a primary source of fuel for harmful oral bacteria, which are culprits in tooth decay and gum disease.

Over time, the disproportionate consumption of sweets will lead to overgrowth of unwanted biofilm in the mouth, leading to tooth and gum disease and possibly permanent tooth loss.

Getting older

Despite your best efforts of caring for your body, as people age, they will have to pay closer attention to their dental health. The enamel on teeth will begin to wear down as time passes. This reality can increase tooth sensitivity, making teeth more prone to decay or fracture.

Tooth loss, however, doesn’t have to be part of the normal process of aging. Despite the advance of years, older adults can preserve their teeth and keep them strong with a healthy diet and smart oral hygiene habits.

Gingivitis, periodontitis

When gums become swollen and inflamed, the bacteria in biofilm are at fault. Gingivitis is treatable and reversible if you act promptly. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can progress to more serious periodontal disease, with a greater risk of tooth loss and infection throughout the body.

Advanced periodontal disease is not easy to treat. As a life-long disease, people with advanced periodontal disease suffer from permanent structural damage to the gums and periodontium, which requires regular treatment and monitoring.

Patients suffering from this advanced disease will need to undergo periodontal therapy and possibly gum surgery.

Unfortunately, advanced periodontal disease often leads to tooth loss.

Lack of dental care

Any winning formula for good oral health must include a dental care plan. Regular dental visits and check-ups are critical to your dental health. Professional cleaning and exams can both prevent disease and potentially catch problems early enough for them to not cause permanent harm.

In the event of tooth loss, our patients will be in good hands. We are highly skilled specialists in treating gum disease and saving teeth. And if any teeth must be lost, we can replace them with implants whenever possible.

Dental implants offer a natural look and feel and will be customized to match your teeth. Dental implants mean you can preserve normal tooth function and feel confident about your complete smile.

If you have any questions, contact us today!

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Nurturing Mental Health: Overcoming Dental Anxiety

By Citracado Dental Group • 25 Apr, 2024

As we make way for May, a month of bright blossoms and the start of warmer weather, we also celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month . During this time, we focus our attention on highlighting the fundamental significance of mental wellness. During discussions surrounding anxiety and depression, one topic often overlooked is dental anxiety - an issue that affects millions around the world. Dental anxiety extends beyond mere dislike about going to the dentist. Rather, it is a complex emotional response that can stem from previous experiences, anticipated pain or discomfort or generalized anxiety disorders. For many people, even thinking about dental procedures can trigger intense fear reactions, panic attacks or behaviors aimed at avoiding dental care altogether. Understanding that dental anxiety isn't just about oral health but is often intertwined with broader mental health issues is vital. If you suffer from anxiety disorders or have had traumatic histories, you may be particularly susceptible to dental anxiety. Here are some tips that you can take to help break the cycle of fear and promote overall wellness. Open Communication: Don't hesitate to discuss your trepidation and fears with your dentist. Our team can tailor our approach based on your or your child’s individual needs and offer comforting reassurances throughout your appointment. Relaxation Techniques: Utilize relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation before and during your dental appointment. These methods can reduce anxiety levels and promote a feeling of calmness. Gradual Exposure: If you find yourself overwhelmed by dread at the thought of visiting the dentist, consider gradually exposing yourself to different aspects of it – start with neutral activities like sitting in the waiting room or discussing treatment plans. Sedation Dentistry: If you grapple with intense dental anxiety, sedation dentistry can offer significant relief. This method employs medication to induce relaxation during dental procedures, leading to a more comfortable and stress-free experience. Seeking Professional Assistance: If dental anxiety is significantly disrupting your daily life, it might be helpful to reach out to a mental health professional. Therapy offers valuable coping strategies and tools to effectively help manage your feelings. Dental anxiety doesn't only affect adults - children can also struggle with it, often due to fear of the unknown or past negative experiences. As parents and caregivers, it's essential to establish positive connections with dental care early on. Here are some suggestions: Early Familiarization: Introduce children to the dental environment well before their first appointment. This can help them become used to both their surroundings and the dental team. Role-playing: Encourage pretend play at home that simulates dentist visits. This helps children grow comfortable with the concept of dental procedures in a fun, secure and non-threatening environment. Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward your child's bravery during dentist appointments. Emphasize the role of oral hygiene in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Plus, many little ones look forward to a visit to the toy chest after a visit! While dental anxiety can present a significant challenge to achieving optimal oral health and overall wellness, by addressing the mental health aspects of dental anxiety and applying practical coping strategies, both adults and children can overcome fears and foster positive experiences with dentistry. At Citracado Dental Group, your comfort and well-being are our top priority. We recognize that dental visits can evoke anxiety in some patients, and we strive to surpass expectations in providing a pleasant and positive experience for every patient. Your visit to our office is not just about dental care; it's about feeling relaxed and at ease during your time with us. To help make this happen, we have a selection of great amenities lined up to make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable. From neck or back pillows and soft blankets to bottled water or juice selections, we aim to create a soothing environment where you can unwind. Need to zone out? You can enjoy your favorite music on a personal iPad or indulge in a hot cup of gourmet coffee or tea from our bar. We also offer complimentary Wi-Fi, headphones for your listening pleasure, and even facial towels and lip balm for an extra special touch. We’re committed to ensuring your trip to our office is an enjoyable one! Schedule your next visit by calling or texting 760-489-5545.