The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
Fri, Mar 13th, 2020
Did you know, approximately 25-30% of people between the ages of 65-74 have no natural teeth? This can happen for a number of reasons, ranging from poor life long habits to deteriorating enamel and jawbone support.
As people get older, their manual dexterity, medical issues and the lack of saliva they produce can all contribute to tooth loss. You might be thinking, “lack of saliva?” Saliva production plays an intricate role in maintaining a healthy mouth. It is made up of minerals and antibodies that protect your teeth. As we age, saliva production decreases and can cause an abundance of dental problems.
In this blog, we’ll discuss why it is critical to replace teeth that you lose and how Arnold Dentistry can help you through that process!
Health
When you lose teeth, resolving the issue as quickly as possible is critical because it disrupts the balance between teeth and bone. The neighboring teeth are weakened, which can result in further tooth loss. If the rest of your teeth are not supported, they can start shifting in your mouth and cause severe issues and create an environment where bacteria can thrive.
Do you know what the first step of digestion is? If you said chewing your food, you’d be correct. If you’re missing teeth, it’s impossible to properly digest regular food. The ability to chew, tear and grind your food is something all of us probably take for granted. But this is such an important part of digestion. Oftentimes, senior citizens ask for softer food if they are struggling to chew what they normally eat. In many cases, when food is made softer, it loses its nutritional value, which affects their quality of life in nearly every aspect (sleep, mood, energy, social behavior, etc.).
Social Settings
Confidence in social settings can enhance your self-esteem and absence of confidence can make you feel out of place. One seeming basic, yet critical, social trait is the ability to speak properly. If you’re missing one or more teeth, casual conversation can instantly become challenging. Teeth work together with your tongue and lips, allowing you to enunciate correctly.
Missing teeth and a diminished jaw bone can also affect your physical appearance. Even if you normally have a full-face and taught skin, this can cause your cheeks to become loose and shapeless. Making anyone look older than they really are.
Arnold Dentistry
So, if you end up losing a tooth, what should you do? First, notify Arnold Dentistry immediately so we can schedule an appointment for you to come in for an evaluation. Next, we will give you a plan for the best course of action; whether that be for dental implants or full/partial dentures. Last, simply follow the plan and ask us any questions you might have.
Can I eat or drink certain things? What should I do if I feel a certain sensation in my mouth? Or what are the benefits and downfalls for each procedure. No matter what your dental needs are, Arnold Dentistry is here to help you through the process!
(813) 689-1529