Oral Health Link to Whole Body Health: A Blog
5 Problems Which Could Occur If You Have Lost a Tooth
Duane Kelly
If you have lost a tooth and you are not experiencing any pain, you may be wondering if you need to have the tooth replaced or if you can carry on without the tooth. However, not having a tooth replaced could have consequences. Below is a guide to some of the issues which can occur if you choose not to have a lost tooth replaced.
Moving and misaligned teeth
Your teeth are not fixed in place. Your teeth are mobile, and during your life, they will naturally move around a little. However, if you lose a tooth and do not replace it, the surrounding teeth will attempt to move into space which is created by the missing tooth. This can cause your teeth to become misaligned.
Difficulty eating and digestive problems
If you have lost a molar, which is found at the back of your mouth, you may experience some difficulty when eating as you may not be able to chew your food properly. This can lead to you swallowing food which is still whole. Swallowing food which hasn't been fully chewed and broken down by your teeth can lead to conditions such as acid reflux. In extreme cases, not being able to chew your food can prevent nutrients from being absorbed when it enters the digestive tract, resulting in malnutrition.
Damage to the jaw bone
A missing tooth can lead to the damage to the jaw bone as it begins to weaken because the tooth is not supporting it. This can cause your face to appear to droop on one side. Having an implant tooth inserted will help to prevent this.
Changes in your appearance
If the missing tooth is at the front of your mouth, the changes to your appearance may make you feel anxious or embarrassed when out in public. You may avoid social engagements or try to hide your mouth when speaking. At work, you may feel uncomfortable when dealing with customers or your colleagues who may affect your performance at work.
Speech impediments
Missing teeth can also result in speech impediments. This is due to the fact that the way air exits the mouth may change due to a missing tooth. Your tongue may also move is a slightly different way in response to the missing tooth.
Dental implants can help to restore your smile, so you do not face any of these issues. If you would like to find out more, you should speak with your dentist today.
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You may have heard that cavities and oral decay are linked to things like heart disease, and, in fact, your oral health affects your entire body. Hi! My name is Brenda, and I like to look at things holistically. Because of that, I created this blog. I plan for its posts to look at the link between dental issues and other health issues. I hope that the people who visit this blog learn a few tips about oral care as well as gaining a deeper understanding of why it's so important. Healthy smiles indicate a healthy body, and I hope this blog helps you achieve both!