The Challenges of Living with Missing Teeth
Posted on June 26, 2023
A healthy smile is not only aesthetically pleasing but also crucial for overall well-being. However, whether it's the result of a knocked-out tooth or the prolonged effects of gum disease, missing teeth can create many challenges that impact quality of life. From tooth pain and discomfort to jaw bone deterioration and facial structure changes, a missing tooth inhibits the ability to live life normally. But with advancements in technology, people of all ages can restore the function of their teeth with dental implants in Oshawa. At the Perio Centre, Dr. Adam Ohayon, a leading periodontist near Oshawa, can help you get back to a full smile and full life.
Read on to learn more about the challenges of living with missing teeth and how you can overcome them with dental implants and a trusted periodontist near you.
Limited Food Selection & Access to Nutrients
When missing teeth, it can be tricky, even painful, to chew on certain foods without bruising the exposed gums. Any hard or hot foods can be sensitive to the gums in the regions where the teeth are missing. Furthermore, without all your teeth, chewing becomes difficult, increasing the risk of choking.
Many foods can be off-limits, such as:
- Apples
- Carrots and other vegetables
- Bread crust
- Nuts
- & So much more
When removing these foods from your diet, you may also remove essential nutrients and vitamins that keep your body fueled and healthy. This can lead to other bodily issues, including digestive problems, malnutrition or obesity, impacting your overall health.
If you choose to consume these foods, it can lead to discomfort around the gums, creating a shift in the teeth or jaw. Filling those gaps with high-quality dental implants in Oshawa that mimic the comfort and strength of natural teeth can mitigate these problems so you can embrace your favourite foods and get the nutrients you need.
Lack of Confidence
Even seemingly minor factors can affect one's mental health and confidence, and when it comes to missing teeth, many people feel embarrassed to be seen due to their imperfect teeth. A smile is a body's natural reaction; therefore, forcing yourself to not smile can contribute to the risk of depression and create discomfort or dissatisfaction in social situations that carry to other areas of life. Acquiring help from an experienced periodontist near you and investing in a smile you love with dental implants can be significantly beneficial, making you feel better about yourself and opening yourself up to more opportunities.
Difficulty with Speech
Your teeth are essential to your speech, as they work together with your tongue and lips to help you articulate your words. When teeth are missing, it may lead to the development of a lisp, causing mispronunciation and interfering with the ability to communicate effectively.
Cleaning your teeth
Even without missing teeth, it can be easy to overlook areas when brushing your teeth. When there are excess gaps in your teeth, there are pockets where food and other debris can get stuck, eventually leading to infection if not removed. These gaps can also create more space for plaque to build up, and if not cleaned, it can trigger gum disease, gum recession, or the loss of another tooth.
The Solution to Missing Teeth: Dental Implants
Whether you suffer from a missing or broken tooth, we have what you need at The Perio Centre. Dr. Adam Ohayon and the team of medical experts provide high-quality dental implants to lengthen the lifespan of your smile. Simply booking a consultation with us can get you started on your journey to a fuller smile. Here at The Perio Centre, we put our patients before anything else.
If you are ready to invest in the future of your smile, talk to Dr. Adam Ohayon and The Perio Centre team today.