The Negative Effects of Losing Your Teeth
The idea that senior citizens are the only ones that deal with tooth loss is a myth. Poor oral health and neglecting to address oral pains and aches could result in tooth loss for children, teenagers and adults. The importance of your teeth is one that needs no explanation; we generally don’t appreciate the role they play in our physical and mental health. Losing a tooth is a serious concern, and if you ever lose a tooth, contact your family dentist for an immediate consultation. Here are five adverse effects that may occur when you lose a tooth:
Adverse Changes in Diet
Losing your teeth affects your overall health as much as it affects your physical appearance. You may be inclined to think about the effects a missing tooth will have on your smile, but that missing tooth will impact your dietary decisions. You may be unable to eat various proteins, vegetables and fruits that are required to provide your body with nutrients and vitamins.
Facial Slouching
Your jawbone helps sustain the physical shape of your face, and your teeth are what keeps your jawbone healthy and tough. When you lose a permanent tooth, it is in your best interest to contact your dentist or oral surgeon for available replacement options. Without a tooth to invigorate the jawbone, you may experience facial slouching which is brought on by the jawbone deteriorating. This slouching may make your face appear as though you are ageing more quickly as wrinkles become much more prominent.
Teeth Misalignment
If you lose a tooth, you may experience some shifting or misalignment. Your teeth support each other in your mouth and losing one can cause an entire shift in their current positioning. The movement of your already settled teeth can perpetuate gum disease and cause debilitating discomfort. If you’ve had braces or dental work performed to correct crooked teeth, a missing tooth could undo all the hard work that your orthodontist and you have done to possess a healthy smile.
Headaches
The pain induced by a missing tooth is undesirable; shifting teeth and a misaligned bite can lead to a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. The temporomandibular joint is an essential joint that is required to help humans chew food painlessly. A missing tooth can accentuate pressure on the joint, which is known to cause frequent headaches.
Inability to Form Words
Speaking is second nature; you can form words, sing and converse with ease. You may not consider how your teeth impact your ability to speak. You use your teeth to form the “th” sound, as well as words that start with the letter ‘L,’ ‘F,’ and so many more. A missing tooth can impact your ability to generate ideas, arguments, and conversations, which can be very frustrating and disheartening.
As previously mentioned, losing a tooth is a serious issue, and the longer you wait, the worse your condition may become. Contact your dentist immediately for consultation and ensure that you address your oral concerns.
