What is the Problem with Missing Teeth?
It is estimated that as many as 75% of US adults have lost at least one permanent tooth, not including the four wisdom teeth that are often extracted by a dentist. Tooth loss is a common problem, and its effects are broader and more complex than the obvious cosmetic concerns that arise when a visible tooth is missing. With each tooth that is lost, these effects increase, and the longer a person waits to replace a missing tooth, the more intense the repercussions become. Many of the problems with missing teeth arise gradually, worsening over time and eventually affecting more than just the oral health and appearance of the smile.
These problems include:
- Bone loss
- Increased health risks
- Greater likelihood of losing more teeth
- Crooked, misaligned teeth
- Issues with the bite
When we exercise, we stimulate the health and strength of our muscles and bones. The jawbone and facial muscles are no different; they require stimulation to maintain their strength, and this stimulation comes from the forces of chewing and biting. When a tooth is missing, there’s no root present to stimulate the jawbone, and the bone in that area gradually deteriorates as it’s reabsorbed by the body to be useful elsewhere. This is why many people who are missing multiple teeth appear older than they are or have sunken jaws or facial features, but the effects of bone loss are more than just aesthetic and can create problems with overall health and oral health.
The longer a missing tooth remains untreated, the higher the risk of gum disease. This risk increases because the socket where the tooth once lived is an ideal repository and entry point for bacteria, which proliferate at and below the gum line and lead to gum disease. You’re probably aware of the oral health issues that arise with gum disease, but did you know that untreated gum disease can contribute to overall health problems like dementia, heart disease, and diabetes? Untreated gum disease also encourages additional tooth loss, which, in turn, generates additional bone loss. This cycle can continue as tooth loss remains unaddressed and continues increasing the risk of losing additional teeth.
Missing teeth can also affect the alignment of the remaining teeth and the bite. When a tooth is lost, it’s common for the adjacent teeth to begin to shift in the direction of the space where the tooth was. Gradually, the teeth fall out of alignment and become crooked or crowded, making them harder to clean and increasing the risk of gum disease while disrupting the symmetry of the smile. Misalignment can also affect occlusion, also known as bite – the way your upper and lower rows of teeth meet when you bite down. When the bite is affected, this can lead to jaw disorders like TMJ or bruxism, cause headaches and radiating pain elsewhere in the face, and damage the dental enamel and integrity of the individual teeth themselves.
While it may seem like it’s not a big deal if you’re missing a tooth and no one can see it, this assumption is incorrect. It can be a very big deal, and, if neglected, a missing tooth can generate a chain reaction of ill effects that can be far more complex and costly to treat than simply replacing the tooth. Your dentist can evaluate your oral health to determine the best course of action for you to replace your missing tooth or teeth, and the sooner you choose to replace a missing tooth, the more likely you are to keep insidious issues like gum disease, additional tooth loss, and systemic health conditions at bay. Call today for an evaluation, and take this first step toward protecting your smile, your teeth, and your health.
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