What is the Problem with Missing Teeth?
Losing teeth is a very common problem experienced by adults in the United States. In fact, by the time the average American has turned 50 years old, they have lost approximately 12 teeth. Unfortunately, every lost tooth, can negatively affect your overall health. Additionally, the longer a patient postpones replacing a missing tooth will increase the chances of losing more teeth. If you’re missing a tooth, and you haven’t replaced it yet, you may be wondering why it is so important to prioritize doing so. Below are some of the problems with having missing teeth.
The Risks of Having Missing Teeth
Besides the cosmetic issues, there are many risks of having missing teeth and not replacing them. Here are a few of the most serious issues:
* Bone Loss: You may not realize it, but your teeth rely on the health of your bones. A strong, healthy jaw bone is needed to help anchor the teeth and hold them in place. Chewing plays an important role in stimulating bone health. When you have a missing tooth, it can trigger bone loss in your jaw, because the other teeth no longer make contact with it. With passing of time, the jawbone below the missing teeth will deteriorate and the surrounding teeth will weaken.
* Risk for Gum Disease: The longer one delays replacing a missing tooth, the greater the risk for getting gum disease. The open pocket, which was once home to the missing tooth, becomes an accessible gateway for bacteria to enter the gums. This bacteria may eventually cause gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and more bone loss.
* Increase The Risk for Losing More Teeth: Losing a tooth can create a domino effect on the health of your surrounding teeth. Delaying replacing a missing tooth can increase the risk of losing more teeth by 30%.
* Make Teeth More Crooked: When a tooth is missing it can cause neighboring teeth to shift towards the empty space. Shifting teeth can cause aesthetic issues for the smile, and teeth that were once straight will become crooked because of the missing tooth. Shifting teeth can also cause dental hygiene issues. As teeth crowd it becomes harder to effectively floss, allowing sticky bacteria to build up and form on the teeth.
* Problems with Bite: As teeth shift, it can change the way they come together when you bite. An improper bite can promote bruxism, or the habitual grinding of the teeth, or a jaw disorder. An improper bite can also promote damage to the enamel, tension headaches, and tooth sensitivity.
Having missing teeth can negatively impact more than just the look of the smile. It can affect your overall health, and lead to more serious, and costly, dental issues. If you are missing a tooth, you should consider making an appointment with a dental provider to discuss tooth replacement options. Your dental provider can help you find a durable, effective and long-term replacement option that is just right for you.