Have you ever heard the word "Edentulism" and wondered what it means? It turns out that this medical condition is one of the most common issues that dentists deal with. Edentulism causes all sorts of issues, but it is often quite preventable.
What Is Edentulism?
At its most basic level, Edentulism, or toothlessness, is simply the loss of one or more teeth. All adults normally have 32 teeth, and if any one of these falls out, a person has Edentulism. A person can have partial Edentulism, which means they still have some teeth left, or they can have complete Edentulism which means they have lost all of their teeth. Many dentists refer to Edentulism as "tooth loss" to make it easier for their patients to understand what they are talking about.
What Are the Causes of Edentulism?
Edentulism can occur for many reasons. In most cases it is caused by either damage to the root of the tooth, the gums, or the jawbone. The leading cause of Edentulism is periodontal disease because gum inflammation and infection reduces the support around the teeth. There are several other causes of Edentulism, including:
• The use of tobacco products
• Eating foods with excessive sugar and acid
• Tooth decay
• Osteoporosis
• Bad oral hygiene
• Old age
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Diabetes
Can You Prevent Edentulism?
Tooth loss might sound scary, but it is quite preventable. In almost all cases, you can avoid losing your teeth by simply taking good care of them. The most effective way is simply practicing good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to greatly reduce risks of tooth decay and gum disease. This keeps teeth in good condition, so they are less likely to fall out. Regular visits to the dentist can help to address any oral hygiene problems before they become more severe, and dentists may be able to offer treatments that stabilize loose teeth. Try to maintain a balanced diet with plenty of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, and other nutrients, and avoid consuming high levels of sugar and acidic beverages. If you play a contact sport with a lot of rough activities, be sure to wear a mouth guard and helmet to protect your jaw region.
How Do You Treat Edentulism?
In the early stages of tooth loss, treatment primarily focuses on methods for treating underlying oral diseases and saving the rest of a patient's teeth. Once a patient's dental health situation is stabilized, it is time to focus on restoring their teeth. There are several different ways to replace lost teeth with artificial teeth. A dental bridge is often the least invasive method. It involves fixing a false tooth between remaining teeth in your mouth. If you do not have enough remaining teeth to anchor a bridge, you can get a dental implant that surgically roots the tooth in your jaw. Those who are not interested in dental surgery can get dentures. These are a removable replacement for teeth that helps to fill in space without requiring a permanent treatment.
Why Do You Need to Treat Edentulism?
There is a common misconception that Edentulism is just a cosmetic issue. Many people with Edentulism think that it is fine to just ignore the problem, especially if they are only missing a few teeth. However, tooth loss can be problematic for several reasons. First of all, patients without teeth tend to over-close their mouth. This gradually wears down the ridge of bone along the jaws, causing a lot of joint and mouth pain. Teeth are also very important for speaking properly, and without Edentulism treatment, patients may slur or mutter. Even just a few missing teeth can be enough to cause chewing problems, and the altered eating habits of patients with Edentulism can lead to many nutrient deficiencies and digestive issues. Not all people care about looks, but many find that tooth loss can leave them feel self-conscious, anxious, or embarrassed.
Since teeth are very important for both aesthetic and functional purposes, it is very important to treat Edentulism as soon as possible. Visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in South Ottawa to learn more about managing Edentulism. Contact us today to book an appointment for any of your dental needs.
