Do you have a gap left by missing teeth? Did you know those unattractive empty spaces not only mess up your smile, they are also bad for your health?
How are missing teeth bad for your health?
No one likes the look of missing teeth. They can make you look older than you are, or make you feel self-conscious when you smile, talk or laugh.
More importantly, however, remaining teeth can shift into open spaces left by missing teeth. This creates several other oral health problems, including:
- An increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay occurs when teeth shift into the open space and become more crooked. This makes plaque and bacteria more difficult to reach and clean away, creating the opportunity for unseen damage.
- Collapsing cheek muscles caused by the open gaps left in your gum line take away from the foundation that supports your facial muscles. In addition to making your cheeks begin to sag, it also creates opportunities for chronic mouth sores caused by accidental cheek biting.
- A bad bite can occur when teeth shift from their proper position and change your natural bite alignment. This means your teeth no longer fit comfortably. This often leads to subconscious bruxism, or teeth grinding as your body tries to work to make your teeth fit back together again. This constant grinding eventually wears your teeth down and also causes additional stress to your TM joints.
What can you do?
Even if you have had missing teeth for a very long time, there are many advanced methods that are used to reverse or repair any existing damage or decay that has already occurred. Additionally, there are several excellent choices for replacing missing teeth so you can prevent further damage.
Options include custom-fitted dentures or bridges. If you want something truly natural-looking and more permanent, dental implants are an excellent choice. Contact your dentist for a full examination and to discuss which approach is best for you.
Learn more
If you would like to learn more about the best treatment to replace your missing teeth, please schedule a free consultation.
