Missing teeth are very common, especially as people get older. Even with the best oral hygiene habits, sometimes a tooth is lost. If you are only missing one or two teeth, you may still be able to eat, speak, and smile without much trouble and wonder if replacing them is even necessary. Even though the gap may not be causing problems right away, leaving missing teeth untreated can lead to other oral health concerns over time. Most people can get away with losing their wisdom teeth without significant issues; and even the second molars can sometimes go without replacing, however the loss of first molars or premolars almost always leads to a slow deterioration of the system. Read on to learn more about what happens if you don’t replace missing teeth.

The impact on other teeth

One of the first problems that usually happens after losing a tooth is movement in the nearby teeth. Teeth naturally keep each other in place as a complete structure. Once a space opens from a lost tooth, the teeth next to it may begin to lean or shift into the gap. The tooth above or below the missing tooth may also move because it no longer has another tooth to meet when you bite. As these changes continue, your bite can become uneven. This may lead to crowding, spacing issues, difficulty cleaning between the teeth sometimes directly and indirectly resulting in the loss of other teeth.

The impact on the jawbone

The roots of your teeth help stimulate the jawbone whenever you chew. This stimulation helps the bone stay strong. When a tooth is lost and not replaced, the root is no longer there to provide that pressure and stimulation. Over time, the jawbone in that area will begin to shrink. The loss of bone density in the jaw can cause problems down the road for facial structure, for the teeth surrounding the deteriorating area, and because it will make it more difficult to replace the tooth later on by the time these problems are concerning. When teeth have been missing exceptionally long, sometimes the jawbone is damaged beyond our capacity to rebuild and that area will never again be a good foundation for any type of tooth replacement. It is always easier and cheaper to preserve than to rebuild.

The impact on chewing

Missing teeth change the way you chew. If one side of your mouth is less comfortable or functional, you may start chewing mostly on the other side. This is often subconsious, and will place more pressure on the remaining teeth and cause them to wear down faster. It may also lead to soreness in the jaw muscles or discomfort when eating harder foods. This often leads to subconscious or consious dietary limitations. When several teeth are missing, people tend to avoid nutritious foods that require more chewing, making eating less enjoyable and limiting overall health.

The impact on oral hygiene

As teeth move into the empty space, brushing and flossing can become more difficult. Crowded or tilted teeth often create areas where plaque and food can collect. This can increase the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and damage to the surrounding teeth. Over time, one missing tooth can contribute to additional dental problems if the area is not monitored and kept clean.

What Does This Mean for Me?

If you have missing teeth, it is important to speak with your dentist about your options as soon as you can. Even if the gap is not bothering you now, changes can happen slowly over time and cause numerous issues down the road. Replacing missing teeth is always easier sooner, and is not something anyone regrets. The improvement of chewing and appearance are immediate, and the protection of your bite, jaw bone, and other teeth is also instant. This latter part is something that is much easier to preserve than rebuild. Your dentist can examine your mouth and explain which replacement option may work best for your needs.

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