Missing teeth don’t only affect the fullness of your smile but also the health and wellness of your entire jaw. Patients lose the appearance of a balanced smile as well as the benefits of a functionally balanced one when they’re missing teeth that aren’t replaced. Among other complications, missing teeth can lead to jaw collapse, digestive issues, and mobility.

Effects of Missing Teeth and Jaw Collapse

[link id=’85’ text=’Teeth do more‘ esc_html=’false’] than aid in digestion by breaking down food, they also stimulate the jaw bone and its nerve endings to replace old tissue continuously. When teeth are missing, this nerve signal of where bone is needed can’t be sent, and bone loss occurs as a result. Over time, the lack of bone growth:

• Allows the jaw to shrink and collapse
• Permanently alters a person’s facial appearance
• Resets a person’s bite relation and the way their teeth fit together

How Do Missing Teeth Affect Digestion?

Before food enters your internal digestive system and begins to be broken down by your stomach and gut, it’s first mechanically broken into smaller bits by your teeth. When teeth are missing, food can’t be broken down as thoroughly as it would with a full mouth of teeth. This deficiency results in more strain on the other parts of the digestive system. 

• Nutrients aren’t absorbed as well.
• The stomach is encouraged to overproduce acid to compensate for partially chewed food. This trend can contribute to all sorts of digestive issues, including acid erosion of the stomach’s protective lining.
• Food that isn’t properly broken down before entering the rest of the digestive system can also make it harder to digest food which can lead to constipation and indigestion.
• Not being able to chew food effectively can also limit access to healthier food options such as fresh fruits and vegetables, unprocessed meat, and nuts and seeds. This limitation often leads people who are missing teeth to eat more unhealthy processed foods that require less chewing.

Consequences for Mobility and Independence

Studies show that tooth loss is associated with slower walking speed and lower grip strength among seniors. Because missing teeth can affect a person’s jaw health, people lose some of the structural balance a strong jaw can provide. For example, seniors with no or ill-fitting dentures are more likely to experience serious falls. When they’re fitted with a replacement for their missing teeth, seniors show improved walking speed. 

Solutions for Missing Teeth

Dental implants are the gold standard for patients with missing teeth. One of the unique advantages of dental implants is their ability to replace a tooth’s missing root. Implants prevent bone loss and preserve the structure of your face. While implants are ideal, other replacement options can help slow the process of jaw collapse. To discuss tooth replacement options and preserve your jaw health, [link id=’50003′ text=’schedule a consultation‘ esc_html=’false’] with Dr. Marzban by calling703-323-8200.