The Health Consequences of Tooth Loss
Living with missing teeth not only affects the appearance and function of your smile, but it can also negatively affect your health. Most individuals are unaware that tooth loss can lead to several health problems including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Thankfully, our Bingham Farms, MI dentist, Dr. Timothy Kosinski offers dental implants to restore your smile and prevent further medical issues. At Smile Creator of Bingham Farm, it’s our mission to ensure each of our patients reaches their smile goals while maintaining their oral health.
Read more about the detrimental effects of tooth loss.
The Negative Effects of Tooth Loss
If you have missing teeth, it’s pertinent to schedule an appointment with your Bingham Farms dentist as soon as possible. Tooth loss can put you at risk for various issues such as:
1
Loss of Functionality
Tooth loss can impact how you speak and what you can eat. It’s common for people with missing teeth to start slurring their words and have difficulty communicating. It can also challenge your ability to chew and consume your favorite mouthwatering foods. Dental implants can mimic natural tooth roots and support porcelain crowns that resemble natural teeth, and both perform to restore functionality that may have been previously bounded.
2
Increased Risk of Oral Infection
The space between teeth can trap food scraps, making it difficult to remove food particles and other debris with just your brush and floss.
People with missing teeth are at higher risk for infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. This can lead to tissue loss and other dental problems, escalating the costs of treatments by calling for continuous work to maintain your wellness. Dental implants offer wide-ranging health benefits compared to other restorative options.
3
Weakening of the Jawbone
Your tooth roots channel the energy and exertion of your day-to-day motions, like chewing and speaking, to the bone holding your teeth in place. This keeps your jaw strong as the bone is strained and then restored. Damaged or missing teeth do not allow this action to occur and in effect, the jaw begins to lose its structure. Implants are the only solution to protect the jaw from further bone loss.
4
Premature Wrinkling
As your jaw begins to lose its shape, the skin around your jawline loosens and starts to sag. This can cause premature wrinkling, which masks the shape of your jaw and conveys an older complexion. Dental implants can help prevent premature wrinkling by strengthening the jaw. If you have already suffered from bone loss, supplemental procedures may help your individual needs.
5
Reduced Self-Confidence
Many people who are missing teeth cover their mouths when they smile or refrain from smiling altogether, which can affect how they interact with others. Tooth loss can provoke an overwhelming transformation in your social life, your desire to embark upon friendships, and above all, how you feel about yourself. You deserve to reclaim your confidence and secure lasting relationships.
6
Increased Likelihood of Pain
Missing teeth act as a window for exposure to the elements. An empty socket can cause substantial sensitivity as our nerves travel from our teeth, through the sockets, to the rest of our body. This can cause discomfort, irritation, and pain to occur. Dental implants can help prevent painful sensations by replacing the tooth root and providing support for a natural-looking crown.
7
Anxiety and Unhappiness
It’s no surprise that tooth loss is associated with a greater risk of anxiety and depression. Tooth loss doesn’t need to lead to unhappiness. If the idea of smiling intimidates you, we have the means to change that. Dental implants are permanent, affordable, and achieve a natural-looking smile. Gain the freedom you deserve to smile confidently again without hesitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can replacing missing teeth improve my overall health?
Replacing missing teeth can improve overall health by preventing jawbone shrinkage, preserving the natural structure of the mouth, and improving the ability to eat and speak properly.
What causes tooth loss?
Tooth loss can be caused by several factors including:
- Decay
- Gum disease
- Sports Injury
- Aging
Anyone can suffer from tooth loss, regardless of age. It’s important to schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible.
Can tooth loss lead to malnutrition?
Yes, tooth loss can lead to malnutrition if it causes difficulty with chewing and swallowing food. This can result in a limited diet and a reduction in essential nutrients necessary for overall health. With dental implants, you no longer have to worry about limiting your diet because dental implants provide the stability to chew and swallow easily.
Schedule an Appointment With Dr. Kosinski
Don’t let tooth loss impact your overall health. Take control of your oral health today by practicing good hygiene, visiting our Bingham Farms office regularly, and considering replacement options for missing teeth. Preserve your smile and improve your quality of life by addressing tooth loss now.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kosinski today by giving us a call at 248-646-8651. You can also book your appointment by clicking the button below. We’re proud to serve our Michigan patients in Franklin, Bloomfield, Lathrup Village, and the surrounding areas.