Find Out Why Repairing Missing Teeth is Necessary

Surveys conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry have shown that 99.7 percent of all adults agree that an attractive smile is a valuable asset. Although that is true, it is important to note that having a healthy smile is also a matter of well being. While some people may only be concerned about their teeth for vanity reasons, the reality is missing teeth can indicate weakened health. Missing teeth can contribute to slews of physical and emotional issues, pending proper dental treatment for repair.

Common Reasons For Tooth Loss

For children, losing teeth is an important rite of passage as the process is necessary to naturally shed baby teeth leading to the imminent growth of permanent teeth. Generally, the process begins at the age of 6 and mature individuals who experience tooth loss or missing teeth should see their dentist stat as the process my be a symptom of a greater problem.

Hypodontia: In some very rare cases, permanent teeth never appear and the condition can occur in relation to ovarian cancer, genetics, hormonal fluctuations, environmental causes or by infectious disease. The condition is marked when a patient is missing 6 teeth or less excluding the 3rd molars.
Pregnancy: While pregnancy typically marks a joyous occasion, it causes significant changes in the female body and several of them are known for causing dental problems. Morning sickness will force stomach acid over teeth and weaken tooth enamel. Fatigue can cause an expectant mother to neglect her oral hygiene and increase the odds of developing cavities and gum disease. Pregnancy gingivitis is also a condition that can increase the odds of tooth loss and cavities.
Knocked Out Tooth: Accidents can happen at any time and anywhere. A missing tooth may be one of the side effects of the chaos.
Eating Disorders: Bulimia nervosa involves an individual repeatedly binging and purging their food. This process can deprive a person of vital nutrition essential to healthy teeth. Additionally, the vomiting (AKA purge) will cause tooth enamel deterioration courtesy of stomach acid being forced over teeth. The condition will not only promote tooth loss but tooth decay and tooth discoloration.
Gum Disease: Periodontal disease is the leading cause of missing teeth for adults over age of 35. While some of the cases are simply caused by dental neglect, 30 percent of the population may have a genetic disposition for the condition (Journal of Clinical Periodontology).

Aging: Osteoporosis and aging go hand in hand. Changes in hormone levels associated with bone weakening can break the otherwise strong bond of teeth and jawbone.

Common Reasons For Tooth Loss

Hypodontia: In some very rare cases, permanent teeth never appear and the condition can occur in relation to ovarian cancer, genetics, hormonal fluctuations, environmental causes or by infectious disease. The condition is marked when a patient is missing 6 teeth or less excluding the 3rd molars.
Pregnancy: While pregnancy typically marks a joyous occasion, it causes significant changes in the female body and several of them are known for causing dental problems. Morning sickness will force stomach acid over teeth and weaken tooth enamel. Fatigue can cause an expectant mother to neglect her oral hygiene and increase the odds of developing cavities and gum disease. Pregnancy gingivitis is also a condition that can increase the odds of tooth loss and cavities.
Knocked Out Tooth: Accidents can happen at any time and anywhere. A missing tooth may be one of the side effects of the chaos.
Eating Disorders: Bulimia nervosa involves an individual repeatedly binging and purging their food. This process can deprive a person of vital nutrition essential to healthy teeth. Additionally, the vomiting (AKA purge) will cause tooth enamel deterioration courtesy of stomach acid being forced over teeth. The condition will not only promote tooth loss but tooth decay and tooth discoloration.
Gum Disease: Periodontal disease is the leading cause of missing teeth for adults over age of 35. While some of the cases are simply caused by dental neglect, 30 percent of the population may have a genetic disposition for the condition (Journal of Clinical Periodontology).

Aging: Osteoporosis and aging go hand in hand. Changes in hormone levels associated with bone weakening can break the otherwise strong bond of teeth and jawbone.

Dental Problems Caused by Missing Teeth

While some may consider tooth loss to be the problem, the scenario may just be a symptom and can lead to greater issues over time. Fixing missing teeth should be considered a top priority in order to prevent difficulties including:

Clinical Depression: Missing teeth can lead to lower self-esteem and social withdrawal. Those two factors can contribute to the mood disorder.
Poor Nutrition: Teeth are the evolutionary device essential to mastication and dispersing nutrients throughout the body. Missing teeth will make it difficult for chew and to consume the right foods for optimal health.
Communication Breakdown: Lisping is just one potential side effect of missing teeth.
Tooth Erosion: The vacancies left by missing teeth provide space for food particles to lodge and plaque to develop.
Premature Aging: Missing teeth can cause jaw shrinkage and the face structure to collapse leaving sagging skin and the gaunt appearance associated with growing old.
Dental Woes: Extreme wear and tear caused by biting force changes, bone loss and crooked teeth are all caused by missing teeth.

Missing Teeth Treatments

Dentists prefer saving a tooth whenever possible, but once a tooth is out, artificial remedies are the only solution. Dentures (partial or full), dental bridges and implant dentistry are all ways to fill the gap. Additionally, sometimes the skill of an orthodontist for dental braces can properly shift teeth to replenish the void.

Regardless of how the problem of missing teeth is treated, only a skilled dentist can get the job done. Why wait any longer when we are happy to help you at 0900-DENTIST.