Whether they're caused by trauma or disease, missing teeth can negatively affect your life in several ways. They can make you self-conscious about your appearance and make it more difficult to eat and speak. If you take care of your pearly whites and avoid bad habits, you may be able to keep your teeth for a lifetime. Here are five effective ways to prevent tooth loss:

Stop Grinding Your Teeth

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, can affect your teeth more than you may think. Clenching down on your teeth constantly can wear down the enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to cracks and chips. If you are having difficulty breaking this habit on your own, ask your dentist about wearing a custom mouth guard.

Protect Your Teeth While Playing Sports

Many athletes have lost one or more teeth while playing contact sports. If a ball hits you in the mouth very hard, there's a chance that it will knock out a tooth. That's why it is important to wear a mouth guard before you participate in a contact sport.

Don't Ignore Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. In the advanced stages of the disease, your teeth can pull away from your gums. If your gums are redder or puffier than usual or they bleed when you brush your teeth, you should make an appointment to see your dentist. He or she can determine the severity of the gum disease and suggest the best treatment.

Cut Down on Sugar

Eating too many sugary treats isn't good for your teeth. Sugar can linger on the surfaces of your teeth for a while and create an attractive environment for bacteria. To prevent tooth decay and possible tooth loss, try to limit your consumption of sweets. When you do crave something sweet, remember to rinse your mouth out with water afterward.

Stop Smoking

If you are a smoker, you may be causing significant damage to your oral health. Smoking tobacco can lower your immune system and make your more susceptible to gum infections. As mentioned above, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. It's never too late to quit smoking. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor for suggestions.

If you have still lost one or more teeth, you have the option of getting dental implants. These implants look completely natural and can last you a lifetime.