According to the NIH, the average American adult has about 25 and a half remaining teeth. Missing teeth can end up ruining more than just your smile. They can cause more profound problems with eating, speaking, and general health. If you do not replace missing teeth, you may experience various health issues. Read on to learn more about it and reliable teeth replacement options . How Missing Teeth Affect Your Health Losing a tooth is not just a cosmetic problem. It can have severe effects on your bodily health. One major issue is bone loss. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area no longer receives stimulation from chewing. Over time, the bone begins to shrink. This can change your face shape, making you look older than you are. Bone loss also weakens the foundation for remaining teeth, increasing the risk of further tooth loss. Other Health Issues Another problem caused by missing teeth is gum disease. The holes left by former teeth can collect food and bacteria, leading to infection. Gum disease is not just a problem for your mouth. Instead, it can also affect your overall health. It can worsen and lead to the following: Heart disease Diabetes Ether serious health conditions Chewing is the first step in digestion, and missing teeth can make it far more difficult to chew certain foods. If you cannot chew properly, you may avoid healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts. From there, you can suffer from poor nutrition and digestive problems. Some people with missing teeth develop stomach issues because they swallow more significant pieces of food that are harder to digest. Properly replacing your missing teeth can help you eat a fuller diet. Missing teeth can also come with specific speech issues. Teeth play a significant role in forming words and sounds. When you lose teeth, pronouncing certain words can become more challenging. This can make you feel self-conscious and affect your ability to communicate clearly. Some people with missing teeth avoid social situations because they feel embarrassed about their speech. Replacing lost teeth can help you regain confidence and improve your communication skills. Dental Implants Are a Long-Lasting Solution Dental implants are a phenomenal solution. They are small titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone. Over time, the bone wraps around the implant to create a firm foundation . Afterward, a custom-designed crown is attached to match the rest of your teeth. One of the most undeniable advantages of dental implants is that they both look and feel like regular teeth. Unlike other options, implants do not require support from surrounding teeth. Other Benefits Yet another benefit is that implants help prevent bone loss. Since they replace the missing tooth's root, they stimulate the jawbone to stay strong. Dental implants are also very durable. If you care for them with brushing and more, they can last a lifetime. Unlike dentures, which may need adjustments over time, implants stay in place and do not shift when you eat or talk. The process of getting dental implants tends to take several months. It involves multiple steps, including: Surgery to place the implant A healing period Attachment of the crown While it requires patience , many people find the long-term benefits worth waiting for. Denture Options for Replacing Missing Teeth For those who are not candidates for dental implants, dentures offer another effective solution. Dentures have improved over the years and now provide a more natural look and comfortable fit. Different types of dentures are available to suit various needs. Complete dentures are not for everyone. Instead, they are used when all the teeth are missing. You put them on top of the gums. Best of all, they can be removed for cleaning. Some people find that complete dentures take time to get used to , but modern designs offer better stability and comfort than in the past. Partial dentures are an option if you still have some natural teeth. They attach to the remaining teeth with small clasps, filling in the gaps left by missing teeth. Another option is implant-supported dentures. These dentures snap onto dental implants for added stability. Unlike traditional dentures, they do not shift or slip while eating or speaking. This makes them an excellent choice for people who want the benefits of dental implants without replacing every missing tooth with a particular implant. While dentures require maintenance, they can significantly improve your quality of life. Proper cleaning and regular dental checkups will help keep them in good condition. Dentures allow you to chew food better, speak more clearly, and regain the confidence in your smile. The Deep Connection Found Between Oral Health and General Health Taking care of your teeth is the secret to upholding overall health. Poor oral health has been associated with a plethora of severe conditions. People with missing teeth and gum disease are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. The bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and lead to arterial inflammation. Diabetes is another condition affected by oral health. People with diabetes are, unfortunately, more prone to gum disease. Worst of all, untreated gum infections can make it harder to control blood sugar levels. Missing teeth can also contribute to malnutrition. If you struggle to eat healthy foods, your body may not get the nutrients it needs. This can lead to weaker bones, a weakened immune system, and other health problems. You can protect your oral and overall health by replacing missing teeth and maintaining good dental care. You can prevent health issues by doing the following: Regular dental checkups Brushing Flossing It Is Time to Take Advantage of Teeth Replacement Options You can elevate your smile to perfection with tried and true teeth replacement options. The team at Marconi Dental Aesthetics is here to help. You can depend on us for general, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry, among other procedures. Dr. Marconi has a doctorate from the College of Dentistry and was even awarded at NYU for her exceptional care. Do not wait to schedule an appointment at Marconi Dental Aesthetics today.

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