Most Insurances Accepted. We Do Not Accept HMO Insurances, but Do Offer Payment Plans.
Most Insurances Accepted. We Do Not Accept Medicaid, State Insurances or HMO Plans, but Do Offer Payment Plans.
The Impact of Missing Teeth on Oral Health and Quality of Life
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most Americans have lost an average of 12 teeth by age 40. Among adults ages 65 to 74, 26% have lost all their teeth. Even one missing front tooth can affect your health, self-esteem, and quality of life.
After losing teeth, you may start hiding your smile or avoiding social events. You may notice changes to your appearance and oral health.
How can missing teeth impact your dental health, and what dental solutions for gaps are available? Read on to find out!
Oral Health Consequences
According to the Academic Medical Center Cleveland Clinic, about 178 million adults in the US have lost at least one tooth. You may lose teeth due to:
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Dental trauma (from an accident)
Risk factors that can increase your chances of losing teeth include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Certain autoimmune diseases
- Dry mouth
- Undermanaged diabetes
- Smoking or using other types of tobacco
- Taking certain medications
- Hormonal changes like menopause
Some people are more prone to tooth loss due to genetics. If you think you're at risk, talk to your dentist. They can monitor your oral health and offer preventative tips.
After losing a tooth, you may notice changes in your dental health. Here are a few oral health consequences you may experience from tooth loss.
Increased Risk of Gum Disease
Losing teeth may cause your gums to recede away from your teeth. Bacteria may spread, leading to plaque formation and inflammation. Inflammation of the gums due to a bacterial infection is called gingivitis (gum disease).
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Pain when chewing
- Sensitivity
- Gums that are tender, red, or swollen
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Loose teeth
- Partial dentures no longer fitting
- Foul-smelling breath that doesn't improve
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Gums pulling away from your teeth
According to the American Dental Association, gingivitis and periodontitis are major causes of tooth loss in adults. Losing a tooth makes it easier for bacteria to attack your teeth and gums.
Gum disease can cause loose teeth and potentially make your gum recession worse. It can increase your risk of serious health problems, including:
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
- Heart disease
Jaw Deterioration
Frequent use stimulates our bone tissues. Using our teeth for activities like speaking and chewing provides the jawbone with daily stimulation.
After losing a tooth, your jawbone will lack stimulation. This can cause bone loss over time. Bone loss can weaken the jaw and cause facial structure changes.
Your cheeks may sink inward and wrinkles may form. These changes to your appearance can affect your self-esteem.
After losing a tooth, talk to your dentist about dental implants. Implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone. They provide the bone with stimulation, minimizing your risk of bone loss.
Shifting Teeth
After losing a tooth, your remaining teeth may shift toward the gap. This can alter your bite alignment. Your teeth may appear crooked, affecting your bite and self-esteem.
Jawbone deterioration can further affect your bite. You may experience difficulty chewing, which can lead to dietary restrictions. Avoiding certain foods can cause nutritional deficiencies.
Failing to chew food thoroughly gives your stomach bigger chunks to digest, which can lead to digestive problems and nutrient absorption issues.
A bite misalignment can cause dental and TMJ pain. Before that happens, talk to your dentist about treatment options. Immediate treatment after losing a tooth can keep your teeth from shifting.
Increased Risk of Systemic Disease
Losing a tooth can make it more difficult to clean your remaining teeth. Increased plaque buildup may occur, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. These oral health problems can cause bacteria to spread.
An infection may travel throughout your body, causing other health issues. Your risk for serious conditions may increase, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Liver disease
- Alzheimer's disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Dementia
Mental and Emotional Effects of Missing Teeth
The effects of missing teeth aren't only physical. A missing tooth can also affect your mental and emotional health. Seek dental solutions for gaps before you experience these problems.
Self-Esteem Issues
Gaps in your smile can cause you to feel self-conscious. You could experience significant psychological distress and self-esteem issues.
If you're unhappy with the appearance of your smile, visit a dentist right away. They can suggest smile makeover procedures to enhance your smile's appearance and functionality.
Facial Structure Changes
Remember, a missing tooth can cause bone deterioration. Wrinkles may form or your cheeks may sink inward. To avoid facial structure changes, consult your dentist.
They may recommend implant bridges and dentures to restore your smile. Immediate treatment may help you avoid other changes in your appearance.
Speech Impediments
You may develop a lisp after losing a tooth. This could make you feel self-conscious if you struggle to communicate or interact in social settings.
Consult a dentist before these problems lead to social isolation. They may recommend crowns or dental bridges to restore your smile.
Dental Solutions for Gaps
Schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist to determine which dental solution for gaps best suits your needs.
Your Dentist may recommend:
- Dental bridges
- Dentures
- Dental implants
Dental bridges are used for restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures. Bridges are tooth-supported appliances. They can replace one or multiple teeth to restore your smile.
Dentures can replace several teeth or entire arches. They're an affordable tooth replacement option. Partial and complete dentures are available depending on your needs.
Single dental implants are placed into the jawbone to replace a lost tooth. Your dentist will top it with a crown to restore your smile. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone while looking and functioning like a natural tooth.
Restore Your Missing Front Teeth
A missing front tooth can affect your appearance, ability to chew, and oral health. Before that happens, visit our team at Ivanhoe Dental Group.
We focus on providing patients with comprehensive care to meet all their dental needs. Rely on our cutting-edge treatments and experienced team to maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Contact us now to schedule your next appointment.
Dr. Munther Salem
D.D.S
Dr. Munther Salem grew up in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from Benedictine University. He then attended the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Dr. Salem is an active member of the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, and Illinois State Dental Society. Dr. Salem has also been on two medical mission trips to Jerusalem treating special needs children. Dr. Salem enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and daughter. Dr. Salem is happy to be back in the South Suburbs where he grew up to provide excellent patient care to the Ivanhoe Family.
Dr. Monil Shah
D.D.S
Dr. Shah completed his dental education at Boston University School of Dental Medicine and has been practicing dentistry since 1999. In the years since, he has devoted himself to creating an environment in which patients know they are welcome as soon as they walk in the door. He is focused on providing excellent dental care and helping patients stay comfortable throughout their visits. Dr. Shah believes in giving patients the time to ask questions about their health and providing them with knowledgeable answers.
Dr. Janani Gurukkal
D.D.S
Dr. Gurukkal is new to the windy city and excited to join the Ivanhoe team. She was born and raised in Nashville, TN. She received her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Kentucky. She then pursued her Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Louisville. After graduation, she completed an Advanced Education of General Dentistry residency at A.T Still University in Arizona. Dr. Gurukkal has always had a passion for healthcare. She understands the importance of oral health and how it can have a profound impact on your overall health. She enjoys taking her time to get to know her patients in order to provide them with the highest quality of care. Her goal is to create an environment where patients can feel safe and comfortable to get the treatment they deserve. Dr. Gurukkal is an active member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, and Chicago Dental Society. She devotes her time to continuing education in order to stay current with the latest advancements of dentistry.
Outside the clinic she has spent time volunteering in her local community as well as abroad. In her free time, Dr. Gurukkal loves traveling and spending time with her family.
Dr. Ken Arrietta
D.D.S
A firm believer in patient education, Dr. Arrieta is a specialist in periodontics, the treatment of all the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums, and the placement of dental implants. Dr. Arrieta’s skills enable many patients to complete their entire treatment plans at our location, avoiding the necessity of being referred to another office.
After completing his undergraduate studies at Loyola University, where he also made the Dean’s List, Dr. Arrieta earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Northwestern University School of Dentistry. He continued his advanced specialist training at the University of Iowa where he received his Certificate in Periodontics.
Dr. Ravneet Bhullar
D.D.S
Dr. Ravneet Bhullar grew up in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs! Soon after Dr. Bhullar earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Dr. Bhullar is an active member of the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, and Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Bhullar loves helping his patients' smile and helping them to maintain their oral health. When Dr. Bhullar is not in the office, he enjoys traveling to new places and spending time with his fiancée and their lovely cavalier poodle named Bean. Everyday Dr. Bhullar looks forward to learning more about his patients and providing them with all their dental needs!
Looking for a Dentist Near You?
Ivanhoe Dental Group
708-577-5988
708-694-8864
708-934-9843
708-694-7738
708-292-6036
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