You love your smile and work hard to take care of your teeth, which is why you might not give dentures a second thought. However, tooth loss is common enough that adults between the ages of 20 and 64 only have an average of 25 teeth left (out of a total of 32), which is why you should be familiar with your risks. Here are a few reasons you might need dentures at some point in your life. 

3 Common Reasons People Lose Their Teeth

1. Injury 

An impact from playing sports or even just biting down on food wrong can damage your teeth, exposing delicate pulp and blood vessels to the bacteria inside of your mouth. These bacteria can cause infections, damaging the pulp chamber and the periodontal ligament that holds your tooth in place. Eventually, your tooth could fall out, but the infection could remain unless addressed by your dentist. 

2. Tooth Decay & Gum Disease

Oral bacteria can emit acids that erode the surface of your teeth, eventually causing cavities and tooth decay. Bacteria can also cause an inflammatory reaction in the gum tissue, making the gums pull away from the teeth. Both problems can lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, dentures are custom designed for each patient, allowing your dentist to make your smile look perfect once again. 

3. Medical Complications

Oral cancer, diabetes, and even certain kinds of arthritis can damage your mouth and cause tooth loss. If you have unchecked medical problems, speak with your doctor as soon as possible to create a treatment plan. In addition to protecting your life, you might also be saving your teeth. 

Whether you have lost teeth in the past or you are concerned about existing dental problems, let the team at Kimberling City Dental Center in Missouri help. In addition to helping patients with emergency dental problems and restorative dentistry, these professionals can also provide dentures, partials, and implant-supported crowns. To learn more about their practice, visit them online or call (417) 739-4965 today.