Causes and Common Problems of Missing Teeth
Anyone that is missing a tooth or missing teeth can testify as to how much it can really impact their lives. The missing teeth cause them to eat differently, speak differently, and can also cause self-esteem issues. Today we’ll learn more about what causes missing teeth, the impact missing one or more teeth can have on you, and what you can do about it.
What Causes Missing Teeth?
When we’re young, it’s commonplace for teeth to fall out. The loss of baby teeth is completely normal and even expected. Baby teeth fall out and larger, stronger, adult teeth take their place. However, sometimes, things don’t work out that way. Once in a while, no adult tooth grows in. Other times, an accident may cause one or more teeth to fall out.
Missing teeth can be caused by a number of different things. The most common reason missing teeth occurs is that people lose them as they grow older. This can occur from grinding your teeth at night, missing a beat during the development process, or even from an accident where you have injured yourself by falling and missing a tooth or part of a tooth.
What Happens When You’re Missing Teeth?
When teeth are missing, other teeth can start shifting around to take their place. This causes problems in chewing food properly and also causes the skull not to develop properly too. The lack of proper development in skull bone can cause serious dental issues later on in life.
When missing teeth occur, the gums can also be affected and can cause serious problems as well. One common problem is the bone loss that happens around missing teeth and this causes sagging and unattractive looks to those who are missing one or more teeth. Bacteria from plaque buildup on missing teeth cause gum disease which is why it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Uneven bites can also occur when missing teeth are missing and this causes wear on other remaining teeth that might not even be the ones that cause an uneven bite. Uneven bites can alter the look of one’s smile and some people may feel like they cannot smile or laugh because of missing teeth. This can also have a serious impact on self-esteem.
What Can You Do About Missing Teeth?
Getting missing teeth replaced with dental implants is becoming more and more popular in today’s society. Dental implants are a great way to get missing teeth replaced for good and this allows people to go about their daily lives without missing any more teeth.
Implants function just like missing teeth, and this means that those who get dental implants can say goodbye to missing teeth, missing parts of teeth, and also say hello to their great new smile! Dental implants come in a wide variety of looks and materials as well which is why people who receive them are so excited.
Other Tooth Replacement Options
It’s important to realize that while dental implants are the best replacement option functionally, there are other options as well. Each tooth replacement option comes with benefits and disadvantages. It’s important to talk to your dentist about all of your options and what they recommend before you decide on a treatment plan.
One of the most commonly thought of tooth replacement options is dentures. Full and partial dentures are available. However, some people worry about dentures being uncomfortable, but the dental community has made strides in improving the fit and quality of dentures.
Thankfully, bridges are also an option if needed. Bridges can also provide the look of natural teeth along with functionality. Sometimes, techniques are combined to provide a custom treatment plan to replace your missing teeth. All you need to do is speak with your dentist about what you want and what you expect. They’ll be able to guide you through your decision and let you know what options can provide which benefits for you.
Preventing Tooth Loss
In order to prevent tooth loss, it is important to keep your teeth as healthy as possible by brushing and flossing at least twice a day. You should also make an effort to visit the dentist as often as they recommend you do so in order to catch tooth decay before it gets worse. Tooth loss can occur even when you brush and floss, so it is important to visit the dentist at least twice a year for checkups.
It’s also important that you protect your teeth during activities that could result in tooth loss. Wear a mouthguard as needed to protect yourself and your teeth.
Call Dr. Cross today for a consultation and get on the path to restoring the function of your mouth as well as your smile.
If you have any questions about replacing missing teeth, please call Dr. Cross for a consultation.