Replacing Missing Teeth Essential for Overall Health

Replacing missing teeth is good for the mind, body, and spirit, but it’s also good for the rest of you. One or missing teeth means compromising your oral and overall health.

Did you know that more than 125 million people in the US are missing at least one tooth and not bothering to do anything about it?

Your Seattle dentist explains that tooth loss as a child is normal, but adults don’t have the same luxury, as there isn’t anything to replace adult teeth except dental restorations.

Missing Teeth and the Problems They Bring

Teeth that are missing in front are usually replaced because of esthetic issues. However, if you are missing a tooth in the back and don’t want to replace it because it doesn’t show you may want to consider this. All lost teeth cause problems with other teeth and overall health.

Bone Loss and Missing Teeth

Just like the rest of your body, your jawbone needs exercise as well. Your teeth stimulate your jawbone. If you lose a tooth, the roots that give it support are no longer there. This changes your mouth and face shape. This puts you at risk for gum disease and tooth decay as well.

Other Teeth Don’t Like Missing Teeth

Your neighboring teeth aren’t fond of missing teeth and will do their best to fill the space by shifting and moving into the gap. While gum recession also causes tooth movement, missing teeth only expedite the change and make things worse.

Missing Teeth Affect Your Bite

The team from Dental Specialties Northwest explains that your bite is significantly affected if you have missing teeth. A bite that is out of alignment could affect your TMJ making it hard to drink, eat, and talk. Bad bites can eventually lead to TMJD.

Eating is Tough without Teeth

Eating properly is nearly impossible if you don’t have all of your teeth. Because every tooth in your mouth has a different function, you aren’t tearing your food the way you should be when you chew.

For example, lost teeth in the front back it difficult to bite while lost teeth in the back make it hard to grind food. Your Seattle dentist explains that shifts in chewing will wear teeth making you more prone to tooth decay on the opposite side as well.

Missing Teeth and Self-Esteem

Cracked, broken, and missing teeth play a major role in your confidence levels. If you smile and your missing teeth show, you aren’t as apt to turn up the corners of your mouth. This makes you self-conscious and less likely to go out and socialize. If you don’t socialize because of your smile, you are also more likely to become depressed.

Missing teeth also make job prospects less likely as you probably aren’t as confident as you used to be.

Help for Missing Teeth

If you would like to learn more about filling the gaps, call, send a text or a direct message to Dental Specialties Northwest. Lost teeth are a thing of the past with single, multiple and full mouth dental implants.

Call and schedule a no obligation dental implants consultation with your dentist in Seattle today.