There are currently more than 120 million Americans who are missing at least one of their teeth and that number is only expected to grow. Though some patients view tooth replacement as a cosmetic choice, tooth loss can actually lead to a variety of long-term health problems if left untreated.
Causes of Tooth Loss
There are multiple factors that can lead to tooth loss, one of the most common being old age. As you get older, your jawbone naturally weakens over time and your gum tissue begins to soften. Unfortunately, this means senior citizens are at much higher risk for tooth loss. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth.
Many people have also lost teeth due to an accident. Any sort of injury involving a blow to the face can lead to missing teeth. Examples of this include car accidents, fist fights, sports collisions, and more. Even just walking into a pole can potentially cause tooth loss.
Accidents happen and you can’t help getting older, but the best way to prevent tooth loss is to take good care of your teeth. Daily brushing and flossing combined with regular trips to your dentist will help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can easily lead to tooth loss.
Other known causes of tooth loss include:
- Smoking
- Drug use
- Poor Diet
- Clenching/grinding your teeth
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Illness
- Genetics
Consequences of Missing Teeth
If you don’t seek treatment, missing teeth can have serious consequences for your health. When you lose a tooth, that area of your jawbone no longer receives the stimulation that it’s used to, causing your jawbone to rapidly lose density. Missing teeth will also add wrinkles to your face and hollow out your cheeks, significantly changing your appearance.
Another problem with losing teeth is that your empty tooth sockets become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. These can spread through your gums and lead to advanced periodontal disease, a type of severe gum infection where pockets of infection form between your teeth and gums.
To make matters worse, these harmful bacteria in your tooth sockets can spread throughout your body, including your heart and arteries. This increases your risk of developing cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, heart attacks, and strokes.
Emotional Effects of Tooth Loss
Beyond the physical symptoms, missing teeth can affect you emotionally as well. Having gaps in your smile can damage your self-esteem and make you hesitant to socialize with others. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, over 86% of people suffering from tooth loss experience feelings of social embarrassment.
At All Smiles Dental Group, we understand how hard it is to feel confident when you’re missing teeth. That’s why we offer dental implants to restore your smile.
What Dental Implants Can Do For You
Dr. Abedini offers a variety of dental implant solutions to combat the effects of tooth loss. The implant posts are made of a titanium alloy that fuses directly with your jawbone. This process, known as osseointegration, will maintain the strength of your jawbone and keep your dental implants firmly in place.
Dental implants are highly durable, non-removable, and can last a lifetime with proper care. They allow you to speak and chew your favorite foods comfortably, without fear of them falling out. Best of all, they look and function like natural teeth so you won’t have to feel self-conscious about smiling anymore.
Visit All Smiles Dental Group
If you’re tired of living with missing teeth, dental implants offer a permanent solution to your problems. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Abedini — your dream smile is within reach.