While tooth loss in children is normal, expected, and without side effects, the same is not true for adults. If you lose one or more teeth due to an accident, tooth decay, or the usual wear and tear, you need to replace it as quickly as possible. If you don’t, you run the risk of the following:
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Misaligned bite
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A missing tooth messes up the arrangement of your teeth, resulting in a misaligned bite. This condition is known as malocclusion and it causes chewing difficulty, tooth sensitivity, and a severe headache. It also leads to serious dental problems like bruxism (teeth grinding) and temporomandibular joint disorder.
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Bone loss
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Not replacing missing teeth is the primary cause of jaw bone loss. The teeth stimulate the jaw bone in the same manner that exercise stimulates the muscles. Without a tooth, the supporting jaw bone becomes useless and it resorbs.
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Gum disease and tooth decay
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With a tooth missing, the remaining teeth often try to fill the space left behind. If the original arrangement of teeth in the mouth becomes compromised, it gets difficult to brush and floss. This leads to bacteria buildup in the mouth, and the result is gum disease and tooth decay.
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Premature aging
The teeth and jaw bone also support the structure of the face. Since missing teeth leads to bone loss, the face loses support completely from that side of the mouth. This may cause it to sag, look puckered, or appear asymmetrical. With the facial structure experiencing so many changes all at once, the face ages prematurely, making you look older than you actually are.
If you are missing multiple teeth, the problems highlighted above become even more pronounced. To avoid bone loss and permanent damage, your best bet is to get a dental implant.
Residents of Houston can visit the Pearland Family Dentistry for dental implantations or expert advice on how to handle missing teeth. To make an appointment, call 832-649-7344.