Tooth loss affects people of all ages, but mostly older adults. As we get older, our teeth, gum tissue, and jawbone become more and more fragile, causing them to fall out. Trauma, disease, and decay are other common reasons for people to lose their teeth at any age.
Regardless of how or why tooth loss occurs, one thing is for certain: they need to be replaced. Just one missing tooth can lead to several oral, overall, and mental health problems.
In this blog, our local dentist explains why it is so important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible.
Oral Health Problems Caused by Missing Teeth
The space where a tooth should be opens a door for infection, disease, jawbone deterioration, and dental shifting.
The simple act of chewing food becomes dangerous because the food particles are much more likely to disturb and irritate the exposed gum tissue, causing periodontal disease and increasing the risk of cavities in the adjacent teeth.
Additionally, people with missing teeth will experience jawbone deterioration (atrophy) because the tooth root is no longer stimulating the bone. As a result, the bone will continue to weaken and cause more teeth to fall out.
It’s also possible that the person’s remaining teeth will begin to shift into the gap left by the missing tooth, impacting their entire bite. This makes chewing more difficult and can even cause the person to develop bruxism which leads to more dental damage.
Tooth Loss and Overall Health
Each of these dental consequences influences a person’s overall health. For example, shifting teeth make chewing more difficult and may result in the person swallowing food that hasn’t been broken down fully. This can cause digestive issues that are painful and uncomfortable.
Gum disease has also been linked to several overall health problems, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Premature birth
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Asthma
- Osteoporosis
Caring for our mouths is much more about maintaining overall wellness than it is about achieving a beautiful smile. For these reasons and so many others, our local dentist encourages all patients with missing teeth to replace them.
Mental Health and Missing Teeth
One of the greatest consequences of tooth loss is a loss of confidence and self-assuredness. People with missing teeth are much more likely to feel poorly about their appearance. The internal beliefs greatly affect their outward actions.
Missing teeth can cause a person to avoid or feel unworthy of new opportunities and experiences, such as a job promotion, first date, meeting new people in general, and even taking vacations.
It has been scientifically proven that the simple act of smiling releases endorphins and makes a person feel happier. Unfortunately, tooth loss usually stops a person from smiling and experiencing the benefits of those happy hormones.
Local Dentist: How to Replace Missing Teeth
Modern dentistry offers several solutions for patients with missing teeth. Our most effective options are a traditional dental bridge, dentures, and dental implants.
Dental implants offer the most benefits because they are the only option that replaces the entire tooth, not just the crown. However, dentures and bridges are more affordable and extremely effective options as well.
To learn which option is best for your smile, contact a dentist near you today.
Our Local Dentist
Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist offers comprehensive, compassionate dental care for patients who are experiencing tooth loss. Contact our office today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule an initial consultation.
