Believe it or not, an adult can lose one or more teeth in his or her lifetime if the teeth are not very well taken care of. There are a variety of reasons for adult tooth loss that cannot be helped, such as severe injury or genetics. Unfortunately, not properly caring for the teeth is the top reason why so many adults end up with missing or artificial teeth at some point in life. The following are among the top reasons for adult tooth loss:

Bad Oral Hygiene

One of the most obvious reasons for tooth loss is not practicing proper oral hygiene. Sticky plaque will build up on teeth that are not brushed and flossed at least twice daily. This build up will harbor bacteria and wreak havoc on your teeth. This will eventually lead to tooth decay, cavities, or even gum disease. All of these maladies can result in the loss of teeth over time.

Being Fearful of the Dentist

One of the top reasons why many adults lose at least one tooth is not going to the dentist regularly. Professional cleanings twice a year are important to not only remove plaque and bacteria, but also to have the teeth evaluated. During your appointments, the dentist will identify possible cavities, gum disease, and other issues. He or she will then work with you on a care plan so that the teeth can be saved. Being fearful of the dentist, for whatever reason, is a very common problem among people and can cause one to avoid going to regular appointments. Not having the teeth checked could lead to many problems that will only get worse as time goes on. Ultimately, it can lead to tooth breakage and loss.

Gum Disease

Bacteria that are present in the mouth cause gum disease. If the bacteria are located beneath the gums, you will experience painful, red inflammations that will weaken the gums and expose the roots of your teeth. Over time, the teeth will not be as stable because they do not have anything strong enough to anchor them. If the gum disease is not treated, they will not be able to hold on to any of your teeth because the infection will quickly spread from tooth to tooth.

Taking the time to care for your teeth does not have to be overwhelming. Brush and floss everyday and visit your family dentistry office twice a year. Taking these easy steps will ensure that your teeth stay put for the long haul.