We always assume that losing our teeth is just a necessary part of getting old. But guess what? It doesn?t have to be. The truth is, our teeth fall out not because of age but because of issues related to periodontal disease. Yes, your body breaks down as you get older, and your risk of dental hygiene issues increases, but with the proper care and maintenance, you can prevent tooth loss.
Research shows that gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in seniors, and believe it or not, tooth loss is not a symptom of old age but actually occurs as a result of poor dental health practices.
It may not come as a surprise that 31.3% of adults over the age of 75 in the United States have lost all of their natural teeth. However, researchers also estimate that 3.75% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have no remaining natural teeth. That is a lot of young people with significant tooth loss!
Clearly, we are faced with a poor oral hygiene epidemic. But what is causing such widespread tooth decay? Does it have something to do with our poor diets? Are we not educating our children on proper dental care? As a nation, how can we get our dental health back on track?
As more and more people fall victim to tooth decay, dentists in cosmetic dentistry are busier than ever. Around 32% of people are concerned about the look of their teeth. If you are one of these people, you should visit your dentist to learn about the ways in which you can extend the lifespan of your smile. You may be able to save your teeth with some light dental work or fix your smile with dental implants.
An estimated 10% of dentists in the United States offer dental implant services, and that number is increasing every year. In fact, as many as 3 million Americans have dental implants, and an estimated 15 million people have crown and bridge replacements for missing teeth. Professionals report that the success rate of dental implants is as high as 98%.