There are many causes of tooth loss, with the most common being tooth decay, periodontal disease, or accidental injury. Many people may believe that missing one or two teeth does not have a significant impact on their daily lives, especially when they still have other teeth to use. Therefore, they may not immediately choose to seek any treatment. However, missing teeth is not a trivial matter. It not only affects appearance but also impacts chewing function and speech. Over time, it can lead to jawbone atrophy and cause neighboring teeth to shift, affecting various aspects of life.
What are the impacts of tooth loss?
Tooth loss not only affects oral health but also leads to other health problems.
1. Impaired chewing function: Missing teeth can reduce chewing function, limit food choices, and reduce the diversity of nutrient intake. In addition, inadequate chewing can affect digestion.
2. Speech and pronunciation: Pronunciation relies not only on vocal cords but also on the coordination of lips, tongue, and teeth. Missing certain key teeth, such as incisors or front teeth, may affect speech articulation and clarity, thus affecting social skills.
3. Aesthetic impact: Missing multiple teeth can cause the lips to lose support, leading to sunken lips and cheeks, making the face appear older and affecting personal appearance and confidence.
4. Shifting of neighboring teeth: Tooth loss can cause neighboring teeth to move towards the empty space in an attempt to fill the gap. This may result in abnormal tilting, twisting, or misalignment of the teeth. Additionally, if there is tooth loss in the lower jaw, the corresponding upper teeth may grow downward due to the lack of opposing teeth, which can lead to loose upper teeth and insufficient space for dentures in the area of tooth loss. It is evident that missing teeth significantly affect bite and oral function.
5. Impact on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ): When teeth are missing on one side, there is a tendency to chew on the other side. Prolonged unilateral chewing can lead to an imbalance in occlusion, affecting the normal function of the temporomandibular joint. This can result in TMJ pain or other TMJ problems during eating.
6. Increased risk of periodontal disease: When teeth are missing, the gaps between teeth may widen over time, making it easier for food debris to accumulate and increasing the risk of periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Consultation with a dentist for tooth loss
Tooth loss can have a series of impacts on oral health and overall well-being, therefore it is advisable to consult a dentist as soon as possible to assess your oral condition, determine the number and location of missing teeth, and provide suitable treatment options, such as dental implants, dental bridges, or removable dentures.Seeking early advice from a dentist can increase the success rate of treatment. For example, after tooth loss, the jawbone gradually atrophies, and if there is insufficient bone volume, it can affect the success of dental implantation. Therefore, when faced with missing teeth, it is important to consult a dentist promptly to choose the most appropriate restorative solution.
