5 Consequences Of Having Missing Teeth

Whether they are due to periodontal disease or an accident, missing teeth can lower your self-confidence and prevent you from smiling in public. However, your appearance is not the only thing you have to worry about with missing teeth. If you do not replace your missing teeth, they can lead to a lot of different problems. Here are five consequences of having missing teeth:

5. Trouble Eating

If you have several missing teeth, you will have trouble eating a lot of different foods including meat, nuts and vegetables. Since chewing harder and crunchier foods can be painful, you may resort to only eating softer foods such as jello, mashed potatoes and broth. If you are not able to include all the food groups in your diet, you can experience nutritional deficiencies. 

4. Bone Loss

If you do not replace a missing tooth soon enough, you can experience bone loss. The bone around your jawline will start to deteriorate and your gums can shrink. Once there is too much bone loss, it may become impossible to replace your missing tooth with a dental implant.

3. Trouble Speaking

Having missing teeth can also make it more difficult to speak properly. If some of your teeth are gone, you can have trouble pronouncing certain words and may even develop a lisp. When you cannot speak properly, it can lower your self-esteem and make a negative impression among other people.

2. Tooth Decay

Missing teeth can cause your remaining teeth to eventually shift. Teeth that have shifted are more challenging to brush and floss properly. Even if you practice good oral hygiene, your remaining teeth can experience decay.

1. Premature Aging

Another consequence of missing teeth is premature aging. When you have several missing teeth, your jaw can shrink and your face will start to sag. All of the sagging skin can also create a hollow appearance in your cheeks, making you look years older than your actual age.

As you can see, missing teeth can make your life a lot more difficult. The good news is that you have the option of getting dental implants. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that can completely restore your smile. They look just like your natural teeth and feel much more comfortable than dentures. If you have missing teeth, you should talk to your dentist about getting dental implants. These implants can improve your appearance and make your life much easier.

If you want more help, try contacting a company like Oral Surgery Center to learn more.


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