We all know that tooth loss can affect the way we look but it also can affect the way we feel. A recent report by CNBC showed how missing teeth can lead to depression and self consciousness.
Missing teeth may make one feel embarrassed to do normal, every-day actions like laughing or talking – afraid to reveal the gaps and holes. Also, those with missing teeth may have noticed how it severely ages the face. Teeth support the mouth, cheeks and jaws. When we have significant tooth loss, the face sinks in, and the jaws droop prematurely. This results in the laugh lines looking deeper as well as the creases around the lips.
The physical problems missing teeth cause are serious risks to future oral health.
Having gaps where teeth are missing affects the way the jaw closes. The remaining teeth begin to tilt and drift into the gaps. In addition, food can become trapped in these spaces, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. The tilting and drifting can also cause problems for the opposing teeth. An opposing tooth will begin to hyper erupt and drift into the open space of the missing tooth, causing the opposing jaw-line to have bite relationship problems; thus beginning temporomandibular joint disorder problems.
Another issue with tooth loss is that the supporting bone in the jaw begins to dissolve. This process is called resorption. The longer a tooth is missing, the greater the bone loss.
Over time, resorption of the jawbone has a considerable effect on quality of life and on the possibility of replacing the missing teeth. As teeth are lost it becomes more difficult to eat and chew food. Over time, more and more of the jaw bone disintegrates until it becomes very difficult to place any dental restoration.
Missing teeth can be a negative influence not only on oral health but on one’s way of life. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can dramatically improve your smile and the shape of your face. This greatly enhances both your dental health and self-esteem.
