The Surprising Problems with Missing Teeth

If you think back to when you were a kid and lost your first tooth. You were most likely excited about your new look. However, as an adult having missing a tooth (or two) could affect many aspects of your life.

For some, a missing tooth means not being able to eat their favorite foods like juicy steaks and crunchy apples. For others, it has to do with hindering their confidence. Imagine not getting your dream job because you’re missing a tooth?

You may not realize it, but problems with missing teeth affect a lot more adults than you might think

Missing a tooth may be an issue that is easily overlooked and accepted, especially for teeth at the back of the mouth. However, if you choose to ignore the problem of missing teeth, you may have more significant consequences to face soon.

The Problems:

There is a range of causes for missing teeth, such as gum disease, tooth decay, poor nutrition or trauma. A lot of people dismiss their missing teeth as a simple cosmetic problem and begin to accept their new appearance.

For so many, missing teeth are much more than just a cosmetic issue. They can also cause severe psychological and physical complications. Here are some of the problems you may encounter with missing teeth:

1. Chewing is Difficult

This goes without saying, when you don’t have teeth, you can’t chew properly. Without a full mouth of teeth, chewing can become painful, so food substitutions are made and may ultimately result in poor nutrition based on what you can comfortably eat.

2. Speech Issues

Have you noticed when a kid loses a tooth or two, their speech changes? When you’re 5-years-old, it’s cute. When you’re an adult, it can be embarrassing and affect your confidence.

3. Lack of Confidence

When you don’t have teeth, it can be difficult to smile. A study in 2016 by the ADA reported that 23% of people avoided smiling because they’re embarrassed by their missing teeth.

4. Teeth Shifting

Your teeth will constantly shift throughout your life as long as there is room to move. This causes tooth decay and misalignment of your bite. Both of which can become quite painful and you risk losing other healthy teeth in the process.

5. Mental Health Issues

Although your dental health and mental health don’t seem to have an obvious connection, they do! In 2014, a study reported that there is a link between missing teeth and having depression or anxiety.

6. Loss of Bone and Early Aging

When you have missing teeth, you are likely also to experience bone loss in your jaw. This is caused by weakening of the tissue in the face and jaw. This can result in a change of your face’s structure. Your face is likely to shrink in, making you look older.

The Solutions for Missing Teeth

There is no reason that you should be suffering from any of these problems as a result of missing teeth. There are an estimated 178 million people in America that suffer from problems linked to missing teeth.

You don’t have to be one of them. There are a few solutions to the problem. The first and most obvious thing to do is to see a dentist to discuss your options to give you a full smile again. Here are some of the solutions that your dentist will recommend:

1. Dental Implants

This solution is predominately used to fill in the gap from a single missing tooth; however, they can be used for up to a full set of teeth.

These are the favorite option among many dentists and patients alike as they look and feel like all your other teeth. They can function just as well too. They are stable and securely inserted into the mouth. Moreover, they are designed in such a way that they will last for long periods.

2. Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is an excellent option to replace missing teeth whether there are one or a few missing teeth in your mouth. The surrounding teeth are used to support a bridge within the mouth. However, they need to be replaced after a period of time.

3. Dentures

When dental implants are not an option, dentures are a last resort solution. It is not a favorable solution, since they are often uncomfortable to wear. Additionally, the problems of early aging and bone loss are still experienced for most patients.

Finding the Right Dentist

Denteractive is a dentist online chat app to look to see a dentist that’s right for you. Call us at (888) 574-7754 to schedule an online video call consultation. It will help to determine which solution is the best for you before you even have to sit in a dentist’s chair.