In the United States, 20 million teeth are extracted each year. The consequences of tooth loss can have devastating effects on overall health and self-esteem, yet fewer than 10 percent of patients seek information prior to the loss of a tooth. Because of fear, lack of knowledge or finances, many people wait until pain sets in before seeking a solution. By then, it is often too late.

Many people assume that tooth loss is an inevitable result of age. However, most factors that contribute to tooth loss can be controlled much earlier in life. Poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing and flossing daily, cause decay and gum disease that can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Consuming foods and beverages that are high in sugar, carbohydrates and acid content can cause irreversible damage to the teeth and gums. Bad habits such as smoking and chewing tobacco can also be culprits. Overall, many people are simply not informed about how the process of losing a tooth begins and the traumatic consequences it can have on a person's overall health and well-being.

Tooth loss has physical, social and psychological consequences including physical pain, shifting of teeth, social embarrassment, anxiety, self-consciousness, speech problems and emotional pain and distress. The good news, though, is that these problems can be avoided by learning about tooth loss and talking to your general dentist Visiting the dentist for cleanings twice a year and improving oral hygiene habits are steps you can take to prevent future problems from developing. In fact, ongoing advances in the field of dentistry have made it possible to retain our teeth well into our 70s, 80s or even 90s. If tooth loss is unavoidable, options for tooth replacement are available in the form of implants or dentures, which can effectively restore your smile and self-esteem.

Studies suggest that once a person has fewer than 28 natural teeth, their quality of life declines with each tooth loss. This correlation between oral and overall health gives us all the more reason to take care of our teeth. Maintaining a healthy mouth not only leads to a brighter smile, but it can also ward off heart attacks or strokes, assist in the management of blood glucose levels, potentially keep away some forms of cancer, and possibly help manage arthritis. n the long run, there is more at stake than just your teeth and gums ? a healthy smile leads to a healthier life.