Losing one of your permanent, adult teeth has far-reaching problems that greatly exceed just poor self-esteem. Of course, poor self-image is a valid concern, and everyone deserves to feel confident and happy. Tooth loss does not stop with just negatively impacting one’s self-esteem, however.
One major problem from losing teeth is the effect of the loss on the surrounding teeth. When a person loses a tooth, they are at risk of losing their other teeth too. When a space is vacated in the mouth, the remaining teeth may try to shift and drift into the open space. This can cause pain and discomfort, especially if the remaining teeth are compensating for the lost tooth. The teeth will eventually become loose and may fall out not long after.
Tooth decay and infections can also occur after tooth loss. Leaving an opening between the teeth can be a welcome mat for bacteria, and it can be challenging to clean this space properly. This can cause further tooth decay and gum disease.
Missing teeth can also cause bone loss. The tooth stimulates the bone, allowing the bone to remain sturdy and strong in the mouth. When the tooth loss occurs, the bone is no longer stimulated and can start to shrink and atrophy. This can also lead to more tooth loss.
Your teeth can also help maintain your youthful appearance. Your teeth lend fullness to your face. When you lose a tooth, your face and start to sag and appear prematurely aged, this can cause the cheeks to sink inward and the jaw to look slumped.
Finally, pain is often associated with tooth loss. This is because the bite force is impaired due to tooth loss, and it can become harder to bite and chew with comfort. The other teeth may also overcompensate for the missing tooth, putting strain on them. This can cause jaw and tooth discomfort.