Why Missing Teeth Aren't Just a Cosmetic Issue

When you lose a tooth, it’s easy to think of it as just a gap in your smile. But missing teeth impact far more than just appearance—they can affect your oral health, your physical health, and even your mental health! 

The good news is that replacing missing teeth can help address all of these issues. If you’re missing a tooth (or multiple teeth), don’t hesitate to visit Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants to learn more about your options.

In the meantime, read on as Dr. Jenny Herman explains why missing teeth aren’t just a cosmetic issue.

Missing teeth aren’t just a cosmetic issue

Missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious and can profoundly impact the appearance of your smile — especially if you’re missing an anterior tooth. Cosmetic concerns, though, are just the tip of the iceberg.

Missing teeth can:

Contribute to jaw bone deterioration

Your teeth help maintain the structure of your jawbone. Specifically, your tooth roots stimulate your jawbone tissue to keep growing.

When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone no longer receives stimulation from chewing, which can then lead to bone resorption—a process where the bone gradually shrinks and weakens. 

Over time, this can cause facial sagging which not only makes you look older but can alter your bite as well.

Lead to bite concerns

Each tooth supports the alignment of the others. When a tooth is missing, neighboring teeth can drift into the empty space. This causes misalignment, bite issues, and increased wear and tear on your remaining teeth. 

This shifting can also contribute to TMJ disorders. 

Affect your speech

Missing teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly, especially if front teeth are missing. You might notice slurred or whistling sounds when you talk.

Limit your ability to chew thoroughly

Missing teeth can make chewing difficult, especially with harder foods like nuts or certain meats. Poor chewing can lead to digestive issues since food isn't properly broken down before swallowing. 

In mild cases, you might be more prone to gas and indigestion, but in more severe cases, the inability to eat properly can lead to nutritional deficiency, unintended weight loss, and increased risk of digestive disorders.

Increased risk of gum disease

Advanced gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, but the relationship goes both ways. When a tooth is missing, the exposed gums and surrounding teeth are more vulnerable to bacteria buildup and gum disease. Food particles can easily get trapped in the gap, which increases your risk of infection and gum irritation.

Affect your mental health

The effects of missing teeth go beyond oral health—they can impact your mental well-being too. Research shows that adults missing 10 or more teeth experience depression symptoms as severe as those diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

What to do if you’re missing a tooth

While it’s no secret that missing teeth can impact your health, you don’t have to figure out your next steps alone. Here at Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants, our team can replace missing teeth with dental implants. 

Dental implants can support a single tooth or several teeth. For instance, if you need a full arch of teeth replaced, your dental implants can support dentures. These are called implant-supported dentures. 

Dental implants can also support bridges. 

Not only are implants versatile, but they’re also the only tooth replacement option that stimulates the jawbone and prevents bone loss.

As for the cosmetic concerns, dental implants are aesthetically pleasing, so no one even needs to know you have one. 

If you’re ready to replace your missing teeth, call us at 225-769-1444 to learn more about dental implants. You can also book an appointment via our online scheduling system.