By the time the regular U.S. citizen reaches 50, they will most likely have lost 12 teeth, including 4 molars. And for middle-aged Americans, about 70% are missing at least one adult tooth. Tooth loss is a widespread problem, but there’s a lot more at stake than just the appearance of your smile. Each of your missing teeth can impact your overall health. The longer you avoid replacing them, the higher is your risk of further tooth loss and associated problems.
If you’re missing one or a few teeth for quite some time now and have avoided replacing them, below are some of the risks and cosmetic concerns you should be aware of.
1. Increased risk of health problems
The longer you avoid replacing your missing teeth, the bigger your odds of developing gum disease. This condition can lead to numerous dangerous health problems like cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. The empty areas where your teeth used to be are great windows for bacteria to infect your gums. This bacteria will ultimately trigger inflammation, causing your teeth to get loose and fall out.
2. Jawbone deterioration
Good bone health is necessary for the proper function of different organs and systems in your body, and your teeth aren’t the exception. A robust and solid jawbone is an essential foundation for your teeth. It anchors them in place. When you’re chewing food, you help support and stimulate your jawbone the same way that workouts help you maintain muscle mass. When one or several of your teeth are missing, this can lead to loss of volume and density in your jawbone. Over time, this can result in severe deterioration of the underlying jawbone, which can cause your teeth to become loose and fall out. The best way to avoid it is by replacing your teeth with multiple dental implants, which can substitute the roots of your missing teeth and will provide proper stimulation to your jawbone.
3. Higher risk of further tooth loss
When one of your teeth falls out, it puts the neighboring ones at risk of falling out, too. This is due to the weakened overall structure of your mouth resulting from tooth loss. According to various researches, your risk of tooth loss increases by more than 30% if you avoid replacing your missing teeth.
4. Increased risk of crooked teeth
Your missing teeth can cause the teeth near them to start shifting closer to the gap. This puts you at risk of a serious cosmetic issue, as your teeth will become crooked over time. This can also complicate your oral hygiene. As your teeth overlap, angle, and rotate to close the gap, they become a lot harder to brush and floss effectively. Your teeth will eventually start accumulating dental plaque and tartar, which will trigger the onset of gum disease.
5. Bite problems
As your teeth shift, the way that your jaws come together when you bite may change. A misaligned bite can increase your chances of developing teeth grinding and jaw disorders, like TMJ. These problems will eventually result in severe enamel erosion, recurrent headaches, and sensitive teeth.
The bottom line
If you’ve lost one or more of your teeth due to an injury or severe infection, make replacing them your main dental priority. Missing teeth can eventually result in various bite problems, gum disease, and even heart disease. Besides, gaps in your smile can put you at increased risk of jawbone deterioration that will result in further tooth loss. To prevent this problem, consider reaching out to an experienced and reputable tooth implant specialist. They will determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, which are the most effective treatment for missing teeth.
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