A: While losing a tooth seems nothing too serious or harmful, it is actually more than just that. Our teeth give us a beautiful smile and help us chew and break down our food. Without replacing a missing tooth, it can impact your quality of life, affecting speech, appearance, self-esteem and restriction in diet to softer and more highly processed foods which are more easily chewed, affecting nutrition. Having a gap for too long may also result in higher risks of bone deterioration and shrinkage and risks misaligned teeth.
Our teeth support each other. Having a gap may cause your teeth to drift uncontrollably, resulting in crowding or the opening up of further gaps to occur over time. This can cause food packing between the teeth which increases gum disease and risk for caries. Teeth opposing a gap, will over-erupt i.e., elongate into the space disrupting the occlusal plane or line of the teeth.
With the advanced technology we have these days, there are many ways to restore a missing tooth that should last for years. Some common treatment options include dental implants, bridges and dentures. You can prevent tooth loss by practicing good oral hygiene habits and have regular dental check-ups every 6 months to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy.
Here are some simple steps you can take at home to maintain good oral hygiene:
• Brush your teeth two times a day
• Floss daily
• Use antiseptic mouthwash (alcohol-free) regularly
If you notice any sensitivity or pain, see something not quite right with your teeth or are simply due for a routine check-up, schedule an appointment with your dentist or dental specialist today.
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