Millions of people have missing teeth. In fact, 2.2% of adults 20 to 64 years have no remaining teeth. Continue reading to understand why investing in replacing your missing teeth is worth it.
1. Missing Teeth Affects How You Look
Depending on where it is in the mouth, losing even one tooth can change your facial structures in certain ways. If you lose a few, the problem will only get worse. These are some specific features you might notice:
- Asymmetrical: When one tooth falls out, there is nothing to support the other teeth. Depending on where the missing tooth is located, this may result in a malocclusion such as an overbite, overbite, or underbite. The face will look crooked and crooked, with one side of the jaw higher than the other. Patients may also experience pain and disturbances, such as in the temporomandibular joint.
- Sunken cheeks: Lost molars can leave a gap, and the sides of the mouth can collapse and appear hollow. This is especially true when upper molars are missing. Over time, bone loss can make the sagging appearance more pronounced, resulting in a gaunt appearance.
- Compression jaw: The molars are responsible for maintaining the height of the face. A reduced mandible makes the entire lower part of the face appear shorter and compressed. The lower jaw can also rotate forward when retracted, creating a receded jaw and a sunken appearance.
- Unintentional frowning: Without the front teeth to support the lip muscles, the shape of the lips and mouth changes. The muscles relax, causing the corners of the mouth to curl into a frown. This can also lead to sagging and wrinkles, making a person look older.
2. Missing Teeth May Cause Speech Problems And Difficulty Eating
Molars help make sounds as your tongue rolls in your mouth and press against them and the roof of your mouth. This is how we make the sounds we need to speak. Missing teeth can affect your speech. If you are missing certain teeth, you may be unable to pronounce certain words. Or you may whistle when you speak because of missing teeth. You may also find yourself spitting while talking.
Another important consequence of missing one or more teeth is that you cannot eat some foods. We tear, chop and grind food with our teeth. If you are missing teeth, you may no longer be able to enjoy the foods you used to eat. For example, chewing meat may be difficult because some teeth are missing. Eating corn on the cob can also be difficult if you are missing a front tooth. If you are unable to eat certain foods due to missing teeth, you may be deficient in vitamins and nutrients.
3. Having Missing Teeth Jeopardizes Your Oral Health
Advanced gum disease or periodontitis, is another major problem you may face if you don’t replace your missing teeth for a long time. Even if gum disease isn’t a factor in tooth loss in the first place, missing teeth open the door for harmful bacteria to invade the gums. Periodontitis is a very serious infection that if not treated early can lead to more tooth loss, bone loss, and degeneration of the entire jawbone, probably the worst side effect of tooth loss.
How Can You Replace Missing Teeth?
It is important to speak with your dentist as soon as possible to discuss your options. If your jawbone volume is decreasing, it can become more costly to replace missing teeth. Additionally, your oral health may start to deteriorate as the condition of your teeth and gums become weaker. Fortunately, there are many ways to replace missing teeth quickly. Speak with Dr. Krasnyansky to learn about options such as dental implants, fixed bridges, and dentures. She will help you figure out which is the best choice for your smile.
If you are interested in receiving general, cosmetic, or restorative treatment in Roslyn Heights, East Hills, and the surrounding neighborhoods call Essential Dental Of Roslyn at 516-621-2430 to book an appointment.
