Tooth loss, or edentulism, is when one or more teeth fall out or are extracted due to injury or disease such as mouth trauma, tooth decay or gum disease.

Kids, adults and seniors are all at risk for tooth loss, especially if proper oral hygiene is not practiced. Although tooth loss is typically associated with the elderly, research suggests that nearly 27 percent of patients experience their first tooth loss between the ages of 21 and 30. Tooth loss is expected to increase with aging baby boomers, perpetuating a phenomenon among a generation of people that saw their parents fall victim to tooth loss due to lack of dental care.

• Kids: As kids become more active, they are susceptible to two types of traumatic tooth loss – premature loss of a baby tooth or loss   of a permanent tooth due to injury or neglect. Children should wear protective mouth guards when playing sports, and parents should consult a dentist immediately in the case of an injury.
• Adults: Most people do not know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Tooth loss is also linked to smoking, heart disease and diabetes.
• Seniors: As people age, plaque accumulates and becomes harder to eliminate.Gum recession, older fillings and dry mouth put seniors at a higher risk of losing their natural teeth.

• Poor oral hygiene habits: If you do not brush and floss daily, decay and gum disease can set in, making tooth loss more likely to happen.
• Poor nutrition: Foods and beverages that are high in sugar, carbohydrates and acid content can sometimes cause irreversible damage to the teeth and gums that lead to tooth loss. Other habits, such as smoking or chewing tobacco, can damage teeth to the point of tooth loss.
• Lack of education about tooth loss: Many people incorrectly assume that tooth loss is inevitable due to age, genetics or family history. A lack of education about the causes and consequences of tooth loss prevents people from taking preventative measures.
• Fear: Many people are afraid to visit the dentist, even if they know they have a problem. Not addressing decay or other serious conditions can prolong the problem and eventually lead to the loss of teeth.
• Finances: Some people place dentist visits low on their list of priorities because they assume that dental care is too expensive.Prolonging visits to the dentist can increase the chances that serious problems will develop.
• Trauma: Babies and young children are most susceptible to losing teeth prematurely due to trauma, mainly because their roots and gums are still developing. Not taking the proper steps to respond to the injury can affect the child's oral health permanently.

In an AGD member survey, more than 86 percent of general dentists reported social embarrassment as one of the greatest problems associated with tooth loss. Losing teeth not only affects a person's ability to chew and properly digest food, but it also has serious social, psychological and emotional consequences that negatively affect quality of life. In addition to social embarrassment, some other problems associated with tooth loss include: mental anxiety, nervousness, self-consciousness, speech problems and problems with relaxation.

Educating yourself about the causes and consequences of tooth loss can prevent it from happening to you. Visiting the dentist for cleanings twice a year is an important step toward prevention. Improving oral hygiene habits at home by brushing and flossing daily is also key to preventing problems from developing. It is important to talk to your dentist about proper oral healthcare and other lifestyle changes that can improve the odds of keeping your natural teeth.

If tooth loss is unavoidable, there are various options for replacement that can effectively restore your smile.

• Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that can be surgically anchored to the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or a bridge in place. Implants are permanent and stable, and they look and feel just like natural teeth. Dental implants may also be used in addition to a denture for better stabilization.
• Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and adjoining tissues. Partial dentures are an option if you have some natural teeth remaining, as they fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting position. Full dentures are appropriate if you have lost most or all of your teeth. "Immediate" dentures are inserted immediately following removal of the natural teeth, while "conventional" dentures are placed in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after tooth removal.
• A dental bridge is a false tooth that is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth. The two crowns holding it in place are attached onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth and the bridge is not removable because it is secured into place.

Decisions about replacing teeth can seem overwhelming at first, both from a psychological and financial standpoint. Communicating your feelings and expectations to your general dentist is a necessary step to moving forward. It may be helpful to watch videos, review still photographs or read testimonials of others who have replaced teeth with implants or dentures to see how they are functioning orally, systemically and psychologically.

By speaking with your general dentist, you can weigh the options and the pros and cons of replacement teeth or even endodontic treatment to save a "hopeless" tooth. The key to finding the right option is not being embarrassed. Working with your dentist will make it possible to establish both short- and long-term goals that keep your self-esteem ? and your smile ? intact.