The Problem With Losing Too Many Teeth
You feel relieved of pain after your 3rd tooth extraction. But a few years later, you find yourself back in the dental chair for another extraction. The worst part is, you experienced more problems compared to the time before you went through treatment.
Whilst tooth extraction is not a bad thing, leaving gaps in your mouth can cause problems. Sheendentalimplants.co.uk and other dentists cite some of the most common effects of losing too many teeth:
Tooth decay and gum disease
Extraction does not necessarily end your battle with teeth and gum problems. In fact, it may be the prelude to more oral diseases. The gaps may trap particles and disease-causing bacteria, infecting the rest of your teeth and gums.
Trouble chewing and speaking
If you have trouble chewing and speaking, tooth loss may be the culprit. These activities involve the teamwork of the teeth and tongue. The fewer your teeth are, the harder it will be for you to eat food and pronounce words.
Memory problems
Memory problems can be the result of severe tooth loss, according to a study. People with fewer teeth are less able to recall the past. Teeth and jaws create sensory impulses that go to the memory-forming and retrieving part of the brain. Severe tooth loss reduces the signals sent to the brain, affecting your memory bank.
Facial distortion
Lose too many teeth and you just might look too old for your age. These serve as a support and barrier that keep your facial muscles and bones in the right places. Severe tooth loss may cause your face to collapse and your lower jawbone to move upwards, giving you the appearance of an old person.
Emotional Impact
Severe tooth loss can be traumatic, according to a study. People who have their teeth taken out by the dentist experience difficulties in coping with the loss. Some even fail to adjust to a life with dentures. In addition, they are more likely to feel less confident about themselves, which hinders their everyday activities.
Severe teeth loss may affect your physical, mental and overall well-being. It has a huge impact in your life. Take care of your teeth and consult a dentist for proper treatment, if necessary.
Losing too many teeth can make you a target and victim of bullying. My kids lost their front teeth early while growing up. They ran into trouble with some neighbourhood bullies because of it. I swore then that they should have regular dental appointments and treatments. It’s costly I admit, but the consequences of not taking care of my child’s oral health is worse.
‘Extraction does not necessarily end your battle with teeth and gum problems.’ I agree. It temporarily halts the spread of dental problems. But if you do not take care of your teeth properly and you have gaps in your teeth, it is only a matter of time before other problems arise. The best way to solve it is by getting dental implants.
I lost my front teeth because of an accident way back. I used to be conscious about it, not talking or smiling to people for fear that they will say something about it. One day I just woke up and realised that I did not want to feel same way forever. I went to the dentist and got dental implants. Worth the cost and effort, these dental implants are. Now I can talk and smile in confidence.