It can be very distressing to lose a tooth. Losing teeth can affect your speech, diet, oral health, and your smile looks.
The effects of tooth loss are frequently referred to as having a "domino effect." This is due to the fact that losing one tooth can swiftly result in the loss of other teeth. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth become apart not only above the gum line but also in the area around the root. The roots of the teeth next to them can "feel" the empty space, and in a remarkably little period of time, those roots will start to move into the empty space.
The root structure deteriorates as they move, and the entire tooth may end up coming loose. This increases the likelihood that this tooth will also fall out, leaving gaps that could endanger the teeth on either side of them. Each upper tooth is "matched" to a corresponding lower tooth, and our teeth are made to function in pairs. When one is lost, pressure is released from the matched tooth as well, causing it to shift and weaken.
What occurs if a missing tooth is ignored?
Whether from the front or the back, choosing to put off or forego dental care can result in more significant dental and overall health problems, necessitating more involved and expensive treatments.
1. Caries and gum disease
You might not be able to clean and floss all the surfaces of your teeth if your teeth start to shift due to the gap, which increases the risk of plaque or germs forming. This could make you more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay, both of which can result in additional tooth loss. Gum disease has been related to more significant health concerns, including heart disease and diabetes.
2. Misaligned teeth
Your teeth support one another naturally, so when one is missing, the other teeth may lean and move to fill the space. The remainder of your teeth may gradually start to lean into that gap as a result of this shifting, creating a domino effect.
3. Bone atrophy
You might not be aware of this, but your teeth encourage the formation of new bone supporting your jawbone. Bone loss occurs when one or more teeth are missing because the area no longer receives the stimulation it needs to grow. As a result of this bone loss, your jaw may gradually decrease, becoming less stable to support your remaining teeth and eventually changing the way your face and smile seem.
Although adult teeth are designed to last a lifetime, if you don't take good care of your teeth, they could eventually fall out. Your quality of life, health, and self-esteem can all significantly impact you by losing just one tooth. Regular professional dental treatment is essential to maintaining good oral health, and maintaining good oral hygiene at home is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.