Top Reasons why you Need to Replace a Missing Tooth

 

It’s alarming but true that one in four children between the age of 5- 10 have tooth decay and one in twenty-five aged 15 and over have no natural teeth yet. Despite huge advances in healthcare, there remains a significant portion of the community that have a dental phobia.

Of course, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and seeing a good dentist, like this dentist St Leonards, regularly are instrumental to maintaining good oral health. Without this regular care, the likelihood of tooth decay occurring is much greater. Unfortunately, left untreated, the tooth decay will progress and gradually damage the roots of your teeth and even your jaw bone. Eventually, the tooth will either need to be removed or it will fall out.

You may think that that is the end of it. But, if you simply live with a gap in your teeth you’ll find you encounter several issues. These issues are the top reasons why you need to replace a missing tooth.

Lack Of Confidence

If the tooth that’s fallen out is at the back of your mouth you may not feel self-conscious about it. But, in the majority of cases, you are going to be aware of the gap and be conscious that others will see it, especially when you smile.

As a result, you’ll smile less. Then, you’ll start to avoid situations where you may smile, and, ultimately, you will retreat from social life. It may sound extreme but a gap in your teeth will have a knock-on effect on your confidence.

Tooth Movement

Your teeth are amazing. Despite being fixed into your jaw they are capable of moving. That’s why braces are so good at aligning teeth. Unfortunately, if you have a gap in your teeth then the teeth surrounding it will start to move, slowly making the gap appear smaller.

In the process, it is likely that the alignment of your teeth will change. Alongside this, the gentle pressure that teeth consistently place on each other will be gone. Instead, your mouth may become cluttered and the movement of your teeth can cause them to push against each other at strange angles. The movement will also affect your jawline and the appearance of your face!

This creates significant pain in your mouth and can make it much harder to brush your teeth effectively. It can be costly to realign your teeth.

Infection

This is particularly relevant when your teeth first fall out. The exposed section of the gum and jaw is vulnerable to bacterial attack. This can lead to an infection that can be painful, damage the jaw, and even attack the teeth on each side.

In addition, the infection can easily spread into your bloodstream and cause other health issues in your body.

Replacing A Tooth

The best approach is to get your dentist to replace the tooth as soon as possible. Dentures are effective, although an implant is the stronger and longer-lasting option. Of course, implants are more expensive but this is a worthwhile investment.