Losing teeth, especially back teeth, is a common occurrence for many adults. As we age, our teeth can naturally wear down or become damaged. Additionally, poor dental hygiene, genetics, and oral health issues can also contribute to losing teeth. Understanding the causes and implications of losing back teeth can help you take steps to protect your dental health.
What are back teeth?
Back teeth, also known as posterior teeth, refer to the molars and premolars in the back of your mouth. Adults typically have 12 molars (6 upper molars and 6 lower molars), with 3 molars on each quadrant of the mouth. There are also 8 premolars (4 upper and 4 lower), with 2 premolars positioned in front of the molars on each quadrant.
Molars and premolars play an important role in effectively chewing and breaking down food. They also help maintain the proper alignment of other teeth and provide balance and support to the structure of the mouth and jaw.
Why do people lose back teeth?
There are several potential reasons why adults may lose back teeth:
Tooth decay
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria and food particles interact with teeth, forming a sticky film called plaque. The bacteria produce acids that can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. Back teeth have a complex structure with grooves and pits that can trap food and plaque, making them prone to decay.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissues and bone that support the teeth. As the disease advances, the gums can pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. This can cause teeth to loosen and eventually fall out.
Tooth fractures
Cracks or fractures in back teeth may occur from biting down on hard foods, trauma/injury, or grinding teeth. Cracked teeth are more likely to deteriorate and require extraction if the fracture reaches the pulp.
Dental trauma
Injuries that dislocate, crack, or fracture teeth can sometimes cause immediate or eventual tooth loss. Back teeth are more prone to damage when chewing hard foods or during trauma from sports/accidents.
Bruxism
People who clench or grind their teeth, a condition called bruxism, can put excessive force on back teeth. This can wear down tooth enamel or lead to chipping and cracking.
Poor dental work
Improper dental restorations like fillings, crowns, and bridges that don’t fit correctly can cause damage over time. This may necessitate extraction and replacement of the affected teeth.
At what age do people typically lose back teeth?
On average, most adults start losing permanent teeth around age 40. Back teeth often deteriorate first due to their anatomy and increased chewing stress.
Younger adults can also experience premature tooth loss if they have dental issues, eating disorders, substance abuse problems, or take certain medications.
As we age, receding gums, root exposure, and active dental disease can increase the likelihood of losing back teeth after age 40.
Can you replace lost back teeth?
Yes, it is possible to replace lost back teeth through various tooth replacement options:
Dental implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed in the jawbone that can anchor crowns or bridges. Implants are a popular choice because they look and function like natural teeth.
Bridges
Bridges span the space created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is anchored on either side by crowns fused to surrounding natural teeth.
Removable partial dentures
Partial dentures have replacement teeth attached to a pink plastic base that clasps onto nearby teeth. Patients can take out and insert these removable restorations.
Full dentures
Full dentures are removable appliances that replace all teeth in a dental arch. However, people may find it difficult to chew and speak with dentures, especially lower ones.
Consulting with your dentist can help determine which tooth replacement option is optimal for your unique case.
What problems can losing back teeth cause?
Losing back teeth can negatively impact oral health and dental function in various ways:
Changes in bite and alignment
Missing molars or premolars may cause remaining teeth to tilt or shift into the open space. This can alter the bite relationship between upper and lower teeth.
Greater strain on other teeth
When back teeth are lost, the remaining teeth have to compensate for the missing ones and handle greater biting forces. This can accelerate wear and tear.
Difficulty chewing
Back teeth play a major role in chewing, grinding, and breaking down food. Missing these teeth can make it hard to bite and chew foods properly.
Tooth erosion
The opposing tooth that contacted the extracted tooth can super erupt or grow excessively without anything to bite against. This can cause changes in occlusion.
Jawbone loss
After a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone no longer gets stimulated during chewing. This can cause the bone to deteriorate over time.
Digestive issues
Poorly chewed food from loss of back teeth can lead to inadequate digestion and gastrointestinal problems.
Speech problems
Missing back teeth that alter bite and support for the lips, tongue, and cheeks can affect speech clarity and pronunciation.
Facial sagging
The loss of back teeth and diminished stimulation of the jawbone eventually leads to reduced facial support. This can make facial features appear more saggy.
How can I prevent losing back teeth?
You can help protect your back teeth and reduce the need for extractions by:
Practicing good oral hygiene
Brush twice a day, floss daily, and have regular cleanings to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Eating a tooth-healthy diet
Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Stay hydrated and consume teeth-strengthening nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus.
Using a mouthguard
Wearing a mouthguard during sports or if you grind your teeth can shield back teeth from trauma and excessive wear.
Not smoking
Smoking increases the risk for gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss. Quitting dramatically improves dental prognosis.
Treating dental issues early
Seeing your dentist promptly for cavities, cracked teeth, or gum problems before they worsen prevents tooth loss down the road.
Key Takeaways
Losing back teeth is common as people get older, often due to decay, periodontal disease, fractures, trauma, or excessive wear. Lost teeth can be replaced with implants, bridges, partials, or dentures. However, preventing tooth loss by caring for your back teeth is ideal to maintain proper bite, chewing, and oral health.
Conclusion
Our back teeth perform critical functions like chewing, grinding food, and supporting the structure of the mouth. Unfortunately, molars and premolars are frequently the first permanent teeth adults lose due to their complex anatomy and susceptibility to problems. Extracting damaged or diseased back teeth can disrupt dental function and aesthetics. That’s why practicing excellent daily oral hygiene, getting dental treatment promptly, wearing a mouthguard if you clench/grind, and avoiding risk factors like smoking can help you keep your back teeth as long as possible.