The Negative Effects of Tooth Loss

Teeth loss typically occurs due to trauma or decay. While it could be fixed with restorative dentistry solutions like dentures, bridges, or dental implants by your dentist Dr. Kimberly Parker, here at Tuscaloosa Family Dental in Tuscaloosa, AL, sadly, some individuals forego replacing their lost teeth. However, failing to replace a lost tooth could be harmful not just to your smile’s functionality but your overall health as well. With this in mind, below are the negative consequences of not replacing lost teeth.

Your Teeth Will Shift

Teeth could move and shift over time due to various reasons but could shift more quickly when you have one or several missing teeth. The spaces these teeth left behind would provide space into which adjacent teeth could shift to. Over time, all the other teeth would also shift and negatively impact your bite.

You Will Lose Bone

Your teeth provide sufficient stimulation and support for your jawbone, similar to how exercising supports and stimulates your muscles. So if you’re missing a tooth, the bone under that tooth will no longer receive this much-needed stimulation. The only tooth restoration that can prevent jawbone loss is the dental implant. Ask your dentist in Tuscaloosa, AL, for more details on this procedure.

Your Bite Will Suffer

Missing a tooth could result in malocclusion or a bite abnormality that will negatively affect the health of your other teeth, jaw joint and muscles, and gums. A malocclusion or irregular bite could result in a myriad of issues such as faster wear and tear of the teeth, muscle aches, headaches, sensitivity, tooth loss, and TMJD or temporomandibular joint disorder.

You Will Have Difficulty Chewing

Missing a front tooth will make breaking off food harder while missing back teeth will make it harder for you to grind up foods like meat. Put simply, these will significantly impact how you chew your food. Likewise, failing to properly chew certain foods could negatively affect your digestion, and, in turn, cause acid reflux or stomach pain.

Your Facial Skin Will Sag

Because your teeth actually help support or hold up your face’s structure and shape, missing just one tooth could affect your facial aesthetics. Over time, your atrophied jawbone will resorb your face and make it look sunken.

You May Develop Speech Problems

Missing teeth could make it harder for you to pronounce some words. You might likewise experience whistling, slurring, or unintentional spitting when talking.

For More Information on How You Can Resolve Tooth Loss with Bridges, Dentures, or Dental Implants, We Can Help

Dial (205) 722-7550 to schedule a consultation for Bridges, Dentures, or Dental Implants with our dentist, Dr. Kimberly Parker, here at Tuscaloosa Family Dental in Tuscaloosa, AL

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