People begin to lose their baby teeth from the age of six, giving way to permanent teeth, which should remain until old age. However, certain factors can weaken teeth to the point of decay and eventually cause them to fall out.
Missing teeth are not only an aesthetic problem. they are also a potential health hazard. If you have lost a tooth or more, you should visit your dentist immediately so they can help you. Ignoring the problem will only lead to painful and sometimes fatal consequences. They include the following:
1 Chronic headaches
A frequent headache is one of the first things you may experience when you lose your teeth. This pain is caused by missing teeth in the back of the mouth. When you have gaps in this area, your entire jaw can shift and cause unnatural bites that stress the jaw joints. That’s how headaches start.
So, if a permanent tooth falls out, seek immediate dental care from a Midland dentist or a local dental clinic near you. You should fill the gap before the headache starts. Treatment usually involves dental implants that replace and look like your missing teeth.
If you have chronic headaches and dental problems, your dentist can confirm the real problem. It could be due to a missing tooth that you never realized was missing or chose to ignore.
2. Loss of more teeth
You will likely lose your other teeth soon after you lose one permanent tooth. Jaw weakness from a missing tooth can spread and affect the rest of your teeth. You may also have a painful bite as other teeth push forward to compensate for the lack of teeth.
Schedule a visit with your dentist when a single tooth falls out. They can take preventative measures to protect neighboring teeth from following suit or damaging the jaw structure. Dental implants are not the only option to solve the problem. Your dentist may recommend removable dentures or fixed dentures to fill the space.
3. Risk of bone loss and weak jaw muscles
Like other muscles in your body, your jaw needs regular exercise to function properly and stay healthy. When some of your teeth are missing, you may experience more pain while your mouth adjusts to the loss. In addition, the jaw beneath the missing teeth does not receive the proper stimulation it needs from biting and chewing. This problem can lead to bone deterioration.
As your jaws relax, the muscles can follow. Fragile bones can allow jaw muscles to collapse, changing the overall structure of your face. In addition to being a cosmetic problem, an involuntary jaw shift can also negatively affect your mental health.
Another problem that tooth and bone loss can lead to is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Bone loss can cause jaw muscles to become tender and unable to support the joint that connects your mouth to your skull. This condition often manifests as facial pain, ear pain, or congestion. All of these problems can take a toll on everyday life.
4. Malnutrition
Because missing teeth often cause the jaw or other teeth to move in a different direction, it can be difficult to chew food. You may experience pain when eating or not be able to chew well. When such problems arise, you can eat less to avoid discomfort. This, in turn, can lead to improper nutrition.
Malnutrition is a medical condition that has many causes, including tooth loss. So if you feel physically weak, it could be due to a dental problem that is preventing you from eating enough food. Malnutrition can weaken your immune system, which can make you sick more often.
People with missing teeth may also suffer from sudden weight loss. You can prevent this by filling in the blank as soon as possible. Your diet can remain as it was when your teeth are completely finished.
5. Gum disease
A missing permanent tooth will always leave an empty, open gap in one row of your teeth. This spot is prone to bacteria growth, especially if you do not maintain proper dental hygiene. And when the spread worsens, you can end up with gum disease.
Gum disease is a condition that manifests itself as bleeding gums, bad breath, or discolored gums. Without immediate treatment, it can negatively affect your overall health and quickly become a fatal problem. Some medical studies even link respiratory and cardiovascular problems to gum disease.
Conclusion
A missing tooth can mean a lot in retrospect. But if you leave it or refuse to get help, it can lead to some serious health conditions. You can prevent these problems by seeking immediate dental care for your empty gum spot. A properly fitted replacement by a reputable dentist can make you healthier and give you a more confident smile.