For anyone who has lost their teeth or who is at risk of tooth loss, it is imperative that you fully understand the risks that accompany missing teeth. No one wants a toothless smile. It causes issues with confidence and self-esteem, but the aesthetic appearance is only one of the reasons why it is so important to quickly visit the dentist to learn more about tooth replacement issues if this problem is affecting your life. The sooner the dental appointment is made, the sooner you can enjoy life & all of the great joys that it offers.
Why do People Lose Their Teeth?
Aging is one of the most common causes of tooth loss, but it’s no secret that men and women of any age are at risk of tooth loss if they do not practice good oral hygiene and when other issues affect their mouth and/or teeth. As we age, the outermost layer of the tooth, called enamel, weakens and it becomes more difficult to maintain the natural teeth. Dental decay, gum disease, knockouts related to sports injuries/roughhousing and play, and medical issues/medications are common causes of tooth loss in younger individuals. Dietary habits can also cause problems with the teeth which may subsequently lead to tooth loss. It’s important that you maintain a well-balanced diet that steers clear of carbohydrates and sugars since they cause tooth decay.
Why it’s so Important to Replace Lost Teeth
Missing teeth negatively influences an individual’s life in a multitude of ways. As mentioned, appearance and self-esteem are generally affected when teeth are missing. It’s hard to enjoy life when you cannot smile and fear others seeing you. But, it can also affect your general health. Chewing and eating food is hard when you are missing teeth. It can even affect the ability to swallow food. This may cause nutritional deficiencies which can lead to many health concerns. This is especially common for elderly individuals with missing teeth.
Receding gums occurs when the bone weakens where there is no tooth in place in the mouth. This can create issues for the neighboring teeth. Furthermore, missing teeth causes the jaw bone to diminish, in turn resulting in an older-looking face and saggy and hollow cheeks. Speaking difficulties are also common when you have a missing tooth. Effectively communicating words can become a challenge so certain words may be hard to enunciate properly. There are many issues that negatively affect life when there is a missing tooth or teeth.
Tooth Replacement Options
Dentures and dental implants are currently the two tooth replacement options available to replace missing teeth. Dentures are cheaper than dental implants, but also lack the same natural feeling and appeal as the implants. Cost is also a concern when choosing between the two tooth replacement options. Contact us today to discuss your options.