Learn More About Missing Teeth

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If you’re missing teeth, it’s important to find out the cause so you can manage it and prevent additional tooth loss. Some of the most common causes of missing teeth are as follows:

• Tooth decay

Tooth decay is one of the main reasons people lose their teeth. It’s caused by bacteria in your mouth that form plaque, a sticky film that sticks to your teeth. Plaque produces acids that eat away at your tooth enamel, causing cavities that can lead to tooth loss if not promptly addressed.

• Gum disease

Gum disease is a serious infection of the gums that can damage the bone and supporting tissue of your teeth. Infection can cause the gums to appear red and swollen, making them more tender and susceptible to bleeding.

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis doesn’t usually cause permanent damage, but it can lead to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease. Periodontal disease can destroy the bone and connective tissue that support your damaged teeth. If left unchecked, it can eventually lead to tooth loss.

• An unhealthy oral hygiene routine.

When it comes to having healthy teeth, oral hygiene habits are key. That’s because the teeth are constantly exposed to sugary, acidic, and starchy foods and beverages, which can be harmful to the teeth. Not to mention, these substances also attract bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, infection, and gum disease.

So, if you’re looking to avoid missing teeth, be sure to practise good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. And, of course, don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups!

• Dental trauma

When a blow impacts natural teeth, they can crack, chip, or even shatter. Sometimes, the damage is so severe that the tooth must be removed. Dental trauma can occur due to a fall, a car accident, or even biting on hard objects.

Timely tooth replacement is important for several reasons. Leaving missing teeth unreplaced can result in several unwanted consequences for the health and appearance of your smile, as well as your overall well-being. Here are the disadvantages of having missing teeth:

• Make your smile look unattractive.

When you have gaps in your smile, it can be difficult to feel confident about your facial appearance, especially if the lost tooth is a front tooth. You may feel self-conscious about smiling or laughing in social situations, and you may avoid having your picture taken.

• Speech and chewing limitations.

One disadvantage of having missing teeth is the limitations it can place on your speech. This is because your teeth play an important role in producing certain sounds. When you have missing teeth, it changes your speaking patterns, and you may find that your speech is not as clear as it used to be.

Furthermore, missing teeth can also affect your chewing function leading to indigestion and other digestive issues. 

• Premature facial ageing.

A missing tooth shrinks the jaw bone, causing the facial muscles to sag. As a result, you may develop sunken cheeks and a receding jaw, making you appear older than you actually are.

• Damage to neighbouring teeth.

When a tooth is missing, it can cause the surrounding teeth to shift since teeth rely on each other for support. When there is a gap between teeth, the adjacent teeth have nothing to support them, and they start to move towards the gap. This movement of teeth can affect how all your teeth bite together, and alignment issues lead to crowded or crooked teeth.

When you have gaps between teeth, plaque and bacteria can build up in that area, leading to infection. This can be painful and inconvenient, and it can also aggravate gum disease. Gum disease is a serious condition that causes your gum tissue to recede, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.

If you think you’re suffering from gum disease, schedule a consultation with our dental clinic today so we can create a comprehensive treatment planning for your individual circumstances and recommend the right course of action for you.

You should keep in mind that the timeline and process can vary depending on your individual case, but primarily on the dental procedure, you select.

For instance, choosing removable dentures as your tooth replacement option can take between six and eight weeks following the tooth extraction to be placed. Meanwhile, getting dental bridges can be completed in as little as two weeks. However, if you choose dental implant restoration, it will take five to eight months before you can enjoy your brand-new smile. Moreover, if you’re looking for a faster and more effective treatment option and have several missing teeth on the same arch, All-on-4 dental implants can restore your smile in just one visit. 

No matter how long the process is, the result will be worth it and transform your everyday life!

Taking care of your dental health doesn’t end at the dentist’s clinic. An extra level of dental care and prevention is required to maintain a complete smile. Keeping your teeth healthy and sparkling is as simple as following these tips:

• Brush and floss regularly:

To prevent missing teeth, it is important to brush twice a day and floss once a day. Brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth, while flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth.

• Regularly visit your dentist:

One of the ideal ways to prevent missing teeth is to visit the dentist twice a year. Dentists can help to identify any potential dental issues early on and provide dental treatment accordingly. They can also advise you on how to best take care of your teeth, which can help reduce the risk of tooth loss. In addition, regular dental check-ups allow experienced dentists to clean your teeth thoroughly, removing any plaque or tartar that could lead to tooth decay.

• Make it a choice to refrain from smoking tobacco:

Smoking tobacco is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. In addition to staining teeth and causing bad breath, smoking tobacco can also lead to gum disease and other oral health issues. If you’re trying to prevent missing teeth, quitting smoking is a good place to start.

• Change your diet:

Food choices play a crucial role in oral health. Foods rich in sugar are some of the leading causes of cavities, eventually leading to tooth loss. Reducing the amount of sugar you consume can reduce your risk for cavities and tooth loss.

• Use mouthwash with fluoride:

One way to help prevent missing teeth is by using mouthwash with fluoride. By rinsing your mouth with mouthwash, you can help to prevent cavities and strengthen your enamel. Fluoride helps prevent cavities by forming a protective barrier on your teeth and helping repair the early stages of tooth decay.

• Use of a mouthguard for teeth grinding or participating in sports:

Dental health is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for athletes and patients who grind their teeth at night. Mouthguards can help protect teeth from being damaged or knocked out during sports and reduce the wear and tear on teeth that can occur from grinding at night.

While mouthguards aren’t a replacement for good dental hygiene, they can be an important part of protecting your teeth and keeping them healthy for years to come.