Why do we lose our teeth?
- Teeth are often knocked out, or badly damaged in accidents so the dentist has to remove them.
- Some people have congenitally missing permanent teeth, which is one more reason why children should have their developing teeth examined regularly by a dentist.
- Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss which is why a good oral hygiene routine is so important.
- Smoking decreases the blood flow to the gums increasing the chance of gum disease leading to tooth loss.
- Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease.
- Loss of bone density, especially in patients with osteoporosis, can cause teeth to become loose.
Although we’ve all lost teeth as children, we’re reassured because a new tooth will soon appear. However, as an adult human, if we lose a tooth unfortunately there’s no shark-like back-up waiting to move into position. We’re left with an empty space. And, as we learn at school, “nature abhors a vacuum”.
Missing teeth matter because they alter more than our appearance.
If we have a gap left by a missing tooth, then other teeth will shift around to fill the space. When you lose a tooth, even if it’s at the back and doesn’t show, visit the dentist for professional advice and treatment.
It’s important for our general health, especially good nutrition, to have teeth that are well-balanced and fit for purpose.
10 problems missing teeth can lead to:
- altered speech
- jaws that don’t bite together well so cause problems with chewing
- movement of remaining teeth to fill the space
- reduction of the strength, shape and density of the jaw, as teeth stimulate bone growth
- reduced tone of facial muscles
- decrease in gum tissue
- temporomandibular joint discomfort and even related headaches
- loss of more teeth
- lowered self-esteem
- less participation in social activities that involve eating
How your dentist can help:
Your dentist will examine your mouth and propose a treatment plan, taking into account the condition of your oral health and your budget. Because missing teeth matter, possible solutions are:
Worth remembering
To try to save a tooth knocked out in an accident:
- find the tooth,
- don’t touch the root,
- keep it moist in saliva or milk,
- get to a dentist within an hour.