August is Dental Implant Month, as designated by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID). The AAID comprises dental implant experts who provide surgical, restorative, or both phases of treatment. According to the CDC, 26 percent of adults over 65 have eight or fewer teeth, while one in six (17 percent) adults over 65 lost all of their teeth.

You don’t have to live without your teeth; there is a better way: dental implants in Berkeley CA.

In honor of Dental Implant Month, let’s go over some facts about tooth loss and dental implants, as well as some preventive tips to boost your oral health.

Facts About Tooth Loss

Severe tooth loss (eight or fewer teeth) hinders your ability to eat meats, fruits, and vegetables, posing another obstacle to adopting a healthy diet.

  • Tooth loss can result in shifting of surrounding teeth.
  • Tooth loss often results in periodontal disease, AKA gum disease, which is a serious gum infection that can damage the soft tissue around the teeth.
  • Losing teeth can cause the bones in your mouth to weaken and lose density.
  • With shifting and bone loss comes an increased risk of developing TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint and muscle), a condition that results from damage to the muscles and joints that control your jaw.
  • The top three causes of tooth loss include untreated cavities, smoking, and periodontitis.
  • Studies show that people with chronic conditions often have untreated dental conditions, which can result in tooth loss.

Luckily, a combination of good oral hygiene, professional dental care, and overall self-care can help prevent tooth loss no matter how old you are.

Tooth Loss: Prevention Tips

From brushing and flossing every day to limiting sugary food and drink, there are many preventive measures that can help you protect and keep your teeth healthy from childhood through old age.

Here’s how you can support your oral health and prevent tooth loss:

  • Brush and floss twice every day.
  • Limit foods and beverages that are filled with added sugar.
  • Get twice-yearly cleanings and checkups.
  • Attend additional dental visits if your dentist recommends it.
  • Ask your health care provider about chronic conditions that can increase your risk for tooth loss (COPD, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease)

While tooth loss is more common in older adults, young adults and children are also at risk for premature tooth loss due to factors such as untreated cavities. Dental sealants and community water fluoridation can offer a safe and cost-effective way of preventing cavities by strengthening and protecting the surface of your teeth.

Are You a Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

Whether you’re missing one tooth or a few, dental implants can help restore your smile. However, not everyone is a good candidate for such a procedure. Your dentist can let you know if you are, but here are some things that would help you qualify:

1. Healthy Gums

This is important because your dentist will have to work closely with your gums throughout the procedure. If you have gum infections such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, you are not an ideal candidate.

2. Sufficient Bone Density

Having enough bone density will help to protect and support the implant, which is why having a strong jaw is important for anchoring the implants. If you have bone loss in your jawbone, you can still get dental implants, but another set of procedures will be required first in order to rebuild the bone.

3. Good Oral Health and Hygiene

You are an ideal candidate if you have no infections or other dental problems that would interfere with the implant procedure. You must also be committed to prioritizing your oral hygiene after the implant is in, especially when it comes to caring for your gums. Engage in daily brushing and flossing, and attend all follow-up visits to ensure a healthy implant and mouth.

4. Minimal Bruxism

If you grind or clench your teeth at night, this places pressure on the implants and could lead to a failed end result. It’s OK if you grind your teeth; just ask to be fitted for a nightguard.

5. No Tobacco Use

Smoking prevents oral healing, decreasing the chances of a successful implant. To protect your oral health, you should quit smoking before being considered for a dental implant.

Book Your Dental Implant Appointment With Ashby Dental in Elmwood

Whether we’ve been following your situation for a while now and you’re ready to book your dental implant appointment, or you’re new to us and want to find out more, book an appointment with Ashby Dental in Elmwood today at (510) 549-0133. Conveniently located at 2507 Ashby Ave. in Berkeley, CA, we are open Mon – Thu 8am to 4pm and Fridays 8am to 1pm.