How Your Health is Affected
If you’re missing one or more teeth, it’s crucial that you have your jaw examined as soon as possible. Each tooth helps stimulate the jawbone, affecting its density and health.
Missing teeth leave your mouth vulnerable to infection, which can turn into larger oral and physical health problems in the long run. Discover why it’s essential to seek dental care early on to protect your health and entire well-being.
1
Loss of functionality
Teeth play a big role in our everyday lives. They help us eat, speak, and smile with confidence. When a tooth is missing, it becomes harder to chew properly, and it’s likely you’ll have to give up certain foods as well.
Your teeth are essential for speaking clearly and pronouncing words. When you talk, your teeth, tongue, and lips help you form words properly. Missing teeth make it harder to effectively communicate with others.
2
Increased Risk of Oral Infection
Tooth loss may increase your risk for tooth decay or gum disease. If your gums are exposed, they become more vulnerable to bacteria. The early stages of gum disease are often painless, making it likely for the infection to go unnoticed.
Gaps between your teeth may also make it more difficult to brush thoroughly between each tooth.
3
Premature Aging
Have you ever noticed how your cheeks form around your jaw? Each patient has a unique facial structure, and your jawbone and teeth play an essential part in shaping it.
When you’re missing a tooth, it’s likely your cheeks will begin to sag due to the lack of support. This can cause wrinkles to form, resulting in an older-looking appearance.
4
Reduced Self-Confidence
A smile is seen as one of the most attractive features a person can have, showing feelings of joy and happiness. When you see someone smiling, you’re likely to want to be around them and smile as well.
Tooth loss may cause patients to become self-conscious of their smile and hide it from others. An incomplete smile can take a toll on your relationships, even the most intimate ones.
5
Increased Likelihood of Pain
For patients with tooth sensitivity, drinking hot and cold drinks can generate a painful and uncomfortable feeling in your teeth and gums. This is because each tooth is connected to nerves below your gums.
Tooth loss leads to spaces between your teeth, making the area more susceptible to tooth sensitivity since it’s close to the nerves.
6
Anxiety and Unhappiness
Smiling is not only contagious, but it has the ability to trick your mind into believing you’re happy, even if you’re not. This is a result of a “feel-good” chemical that’s released throughout your body, relieving stress and boosting your mood.
If you’re feeling unhappy with your missing teeth, you’re more likely to hide your smile. This can provoke lower self-esteem and negative moods, and cause you to be unsatisfied with your appearance.
Ask Dr. Klym How Dental Implants Can Help
Do you want to become a happier, healthier person by restoring your missing teeth? Dental implants are natural-looking tooth replacement solution that’ll fill the gaps in your smile to prevent serious health consequences from occurring.
Give us a call at (231)774-6819 to learn more about dental implants. You can also fill out the simple contact form below, and a member of our staff will get back to you right away.