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Natural Awakenings South Jersey

Six Reasons Missing Teeth Can Impact Our Health

May 31, 2022 09:30AM ● By Nancy Seigle

Missing teeth can put us at risk for other dental problems as well as systemic health issues. That’s why it’s crucial to replace missing teeth with metal-free dental implants. 

Missing Teeth Make Eating Difficult 

Individuals with missing teeth often report pain or difficulties chewing. The inability to eat properly is linked to poor nutrition due to a restricted diet. This can contribute to nutrition deficits and even digestive issues. 

Lost Teeth Harms Other Teeth and Gums 

Teeth which are no longer supported by healthy gums begin to loosen and may even fall out. The absence of teeth creates gaps between existing teeth enabling the remaining teeth to shift or lean into the void spaces. This contributes to weakened ligaments that increase the risk for teeth to fall out or it can cause the jawbone to shrink and lose density, and creates misalignment.  

Systemic Health Issues 

When a tooth is out, neighboring teeth are harder to clean, subject to increased plaque buildup and additional decay. This heightens the risk for periodontal disease and a greater chance of infection, to the mouth and the rest of the body. The health of our mouths is a reliable indicator for assessing whole-body health. Oral health and systemic health are connected, in diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, dementia—just to name a few.  

Missing Teeth Make People Look Older 

Missing teeth causes bone loss which affects facial structure. Teeth naturally serve a purpose: to protect the jawbone which helps maintain the shape of the face. Like a house with collapsed frames, missing teeth are unable to support the jawbone and as the bone deteriorates, it can no longer support the facial muscles causing them to droop.  

When facial muscles begin to sag it begins to alter the overall shape and structure of the face, giving the appearance of people looking older or having aged.  

Missing Teeth Take Years Off Your Life 

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, by age 50, most Americans have lost an average of 12 teeth. As we continue to age, it does get worse. In the U.S., more than 25 percent of adults ages 65 to 74 will have lost all of their teeth. The focus of recent studies has indicated a relationship between tooth loss and mortality. And individuals with more missing teeth live shorter lives. That’s why it’s so important for people to replace missing teeth. 

A Broken Smile Can Damage Confidence 

We’re naturally inclined to be attracted to individuals that have a pretty smile or even brighter, whiter teeth. It’s common for individuals with missing teeth to develop insecurities about their smiles. This can affect self-esteem, mental health and even physical health. 

Along with missing teeth taking years off of our lives, replacing them can improve our health and quality of life. Restoring teeth with a metal-free dental implant helps support a healthy mouth and healthy jaw. By improving oral health, we are also improving our systemic health. Ceramic dental implants are strong and durable, and they fit, function and look like natural teeth. Also, they are hypoallergenic and biocompatible, making them a safe and friendly option. It’s time to restore our health and the confidence in our smile, today. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment with the Holistic Dental Center New Jersey, call 973-609-5984 or visit HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com.  

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