The Hidden Consequences of Missing Teeth and the Importance of Replacement
If you are missing one or more of your adult teeth, you’re not alone—an estimated 178 million Americans have the same condition. Many try to get along without all of their teeth, and suffer from some of the familiar problems: smiles that don’t look as appealing as they once did, problems eating certain foods, and awkwardness in social situations.
Yet there are other problems associated with tooth loss that are less obvious, but could have more of an impact on your health. These include nutritional difficulties, oral health issues, and bone loss. Schaefer Dental Group emphasizes the need for timely tooth replacement to protect your long-term health in Lansing, Michigan.
1. Nutritional Difficulties
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is essential for good nutrition, but many of these foods become difficult to chew if you have missing teeth. Softer foods are easier to eat, but they are often highly processed and offer little nutritional value. Along with the possibility of malnourishment, a poor diet can lead to a compromised immune system and a decline in overall health.
2. Oral Health Issues
If you have only one or two missing teeth, you may not feel an urgent need to replace them now. However, teeth aren’t fixed solidly in the jaw; when even one tooth is missing, the remaining teeth tend to “drift” into new positions. This can cause a cascade of oral health problems:
- Unstable tooth positions and excessive tooth wear.
- Bite problems.
- A greater chance of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease.
- The eventual loss of even more teeth.
3. Bone Loss (Deterioration of the Jaw)
Bone tissue needs stimulation to maintain its volume and density, and this stimulation comes from the teeth. When teeth are lost, the jaw bone that once supported them loses stimulation and begins to deteriorate:
- The jaw bone can lose one-quarter of its width in just one year.
- As the jaw becomes smaller, facial height (the distance from nose to chin) decreases, and facial features lose support.
- The chin rotates forward, the corners of the mouth turn downward (as if frowning), and the cheeks can appear hollow. This loss of bone can give you the appearance of being many years older than you actually are.
The consequences of tooth loss are very real, even if they are less visible than a gap in your smile. That’s why it is so important not to put off the replacement of missing teeth.