There’s no doubt about it – missing teeth is a problem many people deal with. It can cause you discomfort or result in gum disease.
So what issues arise from tooth loss? This article will discuss some of the most common problems caused by missing teeth!
Missing teeth can affect your bite
Missing teeth can change the way your teeth come together when eating which could create a painful bite misalignment. This misalignment also known as malocclusion can lead to a range of health problems such as headaches, tooth sensitivity, muscle pain, etc.
Missing teeth can lead to gum disease.
Tooth loss creates gaps in which food particles and bacteria can accumulate leading to the build-up of plaque. This irritates the gums which can cause bleeding gums or periodontal disease. Plaque buildup can also affect your tongue which can cause bad breath.
Missing teeth can affect your Jawbone
Missing teeth often cause the jawbone to shrink. This process is called resorption, and it’s permanent. Also, bone density tends to reduce leads which can shift the position of your teeth. This might even cause the teeth to shrink down into your gums which can affect food chewing or how you speak.
Missing teeth can make it more difficult to eat hard foods
Without some teeth, you have less chewing surface in the mouth which makes eating hard foods like fruits or corn difficult. Not only does this make it hard to chew and swallow food but also increases the risk of choking. This also contributes to poor nutrition as you can’t eat some foods leading to poor overall health.
Tooth loss can alter the look of your face
When tooth loss happens early in life, it can shift the position of adjacent teeth and affect the structure of your jawbone. This can cause the shape of your face to change, making it look asymmetrical or ‘crooked’ and older.
Missing teeth can cause TMJ/TMD disorder
Missing teeth can also cause Temporomandibular (TMJ/TMD) disorder which results in pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. This is a major issue that is one of the leading oral health problems in the world. The disorder can be treated with orthodontic treatment or medication provided by a dentist.
Missing teeth may cause speech impediments
Some sounds are created by placing the tongue against the tooth ridges. When you don’t have certain teeth, you may not be able to make these sounds which affects your speech. Speech therapy is recommended after losing an entire row of teeth to prevent irreversible damage. Also, dental appliances such as dentures can be used to replace missing teeth to reduce speech impairments.
Conclusion
Missing teeth can cause a range of problems that can affect your overall health and confidence.
The best way to avoid these issues is to visit a dental clinic near you. A dentist can thoroughly assess your mouth to check the problem and determine the right tooth replacement option for you.
Our team of tooth replacement experts in Nairobi can help you fix your teeth and restore your smile.
