Why it is important to replace missing teeth? ( Julie Bawk)

I love dentistry. Today let you share you why there is a need to replace missing teeth. Let me start with functions of teeth.

There are three major functions of teeth.

1. Food needs to be broken down and chewed before entering the digestive system so that our body can easily absorb nutrients from them.

1. Teeth can help us pronounce accurately.

1. Teeth can help us look better by giving us a good profile.

When you lost teeth, above mentioned major functions of teeth are affected. For example, if you lost molar teeth, you start to have difficulty chewing meats and vegetables. And with ability to chew decreases, affecting your foods intake and affecting necessary nutrients for your overall health.

Missing front teeth, a gap in your smile will definitely make you look older. Over time, a person who has missing molars (back teeth) will develop a compressed look because the jawbone is gradually shrinking in size. It is because the back teeth have the responsibility of aligning the jaw and working to maintain the shape of the jaw line. Even though facial muscle tone decreases as we age, this process is accelerated with tooth lost or missing teeth.

Tooth loss, especially in the upper front area of your mouth also known as the smile or aesthetic zone, compromises your smile. People with missing teeth or aesthetically unpleasing teeth often cover their mouth when talking or smiling. It can also affect one’s speaking. As we all know that having a healthy mouth and nice smile greatly contributes to self-confident and comfort in social settings.

Following teeth loss, the remaining teeth have to carry the ‘load’ during the chewing. The excessive forces can result in chipping, fractures, or potential gum disease with loss of bone. Once the bite has been compromised by tooth loss, it becomes increasingly worse as the other teeth suffer such damage and begin to shift. With shifting or moving of adjacent and opposing teeth, the back teeth begin to tilt and the opposing teeth start shifting up or down. All of this results in malocclusion (poor bite), increase in teeth fractures and increased bone loss.

Next time I will share with you the options if you have missing teeth.…….thanks. “May you all smile with confident!”

Julie Bawk ( Kachin )
Photos credit: Google Image