5 Reasons to Replace Missing Teeth

If you are one of the millions of Americans that has at least one missing tooth, you may know that it’s not just aesthetic issues. Many dislike the way the mouth appears with missing teeth, but there may be other, larger health risks that come with not replacing your teeth.

1. Shifting Teeth

Every tooth helps maintain the proper position of the surrounding teeth. When one is lost, the nearby teeth can gradually shift, leading to a misaligned bite. Even if you previously had a straight smile, tooth loss can quickly affect your alignment. That’s why it’s important to replace missing teeth promptly to prevent unwanted movement.

2. Oral Health Care

Caring for your gums and teeth are so important to your overall health. Once the teeth shift and move out of alignment, it can be harder to reach certain areas to floss or brush. If bacteria and plaque are left on the teeth, you may quickly develop periodontal disease. This can lead to more lost teeth over time.

3. TMJ

If the upper and lower jaw don’t meet when you bite down, you may deal with problems with the temporomandibular joint in the jaw. As teeth shift out of alignment over a period, you may notice jaw pain, headaches, clicking noises and the inability to open your jaw all the way.

4. Bone Loss

The tooth’s root is secured in the jawbone and stimulates it to grow and regenerate bone. When the root is gone, the bone can crumble and die. Fortunately, dental implants are placed directly in the jaw, so bone loss is minimal when teeth are replaced quickly.

5. Confidence

If you have missing teeth, it’s easy to feel self-conscious and uncomfortable in both your personal and professional life.