How Tooth Loss Affects Your Health
Missing teeth affect more than your appearance. If you’ve lost one or more teeth, proper restorative care can help prevent several dental health issues and give you back the confidence of a complete smile.
Each of your teeth help stimulate the jawbone, promoting the regeneration of bone cells and preserving its density and lasting health. When teeth are lost, the absence of this essential stimulation leads to deterioration of the jawbone. Missing teeth also leave your mouth vulnerable to infection, which can lead to more serious oral and physical health problems in the long run. Discover why it’s essential to seek dental care early to protect your health and well-being after the loss of teeth.
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 complete smile is one of the most attractive features a person can have, expressing joy and happiness. When you see someone smiling, you’re more likely to enjoy spending time with them and share your smile as well.
Tooth loss may cause patients to become self-conscious about their smile and hide it from others. An incomplete smile can take a toll on your social, professional, and intimate relationships.
5
Increased Likelihood of Pain
For patients with tooth sensitivity, drinking hot and cold drinks can cause pain and discomfort 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 areas more vulnerable to sensitivity since the nerves lose their protection.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes tooth loss in adults?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Fortunately, practicing good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily can help prevent gum disease.
In addition to good oral hygiene habits, you’ll want to schedule regular exams and cleanings with Dr. Klym where he can assess your oral health and ensure your teeth and gums are in excellent condition. During these visits, he’ll also notify you of any areas of concern so we perform any necessary treatments before they require more invasive procedures.
We’ll answer any questions you have about your oral health and provide you with ways you can improve your oral hygiene routine at home.
What's the best option for replacing missing teeth?
There are a variety of options available for treating tooth loss such as dentures and dental bridges. However, they don’t compare to the stability and durability offered by dental implants. Dental implants are a natural-looking tooth replacement option that won’t move around or slip when you’re talking. Best of all, they can last a lifetime.
Dental implants are affixed to your jawbone during a surgical procedure, providing unmatched stability and longevity. Once they’re in place, your implants will look and feel just like your natural teeth. If you’re missing more than one tooth, we also offer implant-supported bridges and dentures.
For more information on our dental implant solutions, contact our Petoskey office by calling (231) 774-6819 and a knowledgeable team member will explain the benefits of our dental implant options.