Whether you are missing a tooth due to trauma, an accident, or getting it pulled, the gap left in your smile can make you feel self-conscious about your beam. But, if you’re missing a back tooth, you may not feel the same way. Since you can’t see it, what’s the point of having it replaced? So you understand the importance of a full smile, read on to learn a few reasons why a missing back tooth should be replaced as soon as possible.
Reason #1: Chewing Food
Foods like broccoli, carrots, celery, and spinach are full of nutrients that your smile needs to remain healthy and strong. If you’re missing a back tooth, this can impact how your teeth function when you eat. This is because all teeth serve different functions. If you’re missing a molar, you won’t be able to properly grind up your food. This can make your meals more difficult to digest and will make it hard for you to receive the vitamins you need.
Reason #2: Shifting Teeth
Missing teeth leave gaps in your smile. The surrounding teeth will start to fill in those gaps by shifting into place. Whether it’s a missing back tooth or one in another part of your smile, this is bad news for your remaining teeth. The uneven distribution of pressure and bite power when eating can lead to premature wear and cause them to become weaker over time. This may eventually lead to additional tooth loss.
Reason #3: Weakening Jawbone
Missing teeth do more than just impact how your smile looks. The part of the jawbone where the teeth used to be will no longer receive enough stimulation without the chewing, biting, and grinding of your pearly whites. When your jawbone no longer receives enough stimulation, it will start to erode. This will weaken your jawbone and will also impact your facial shape, possibly making you look older.
Reason #4: Increase of Oral & Overall Health Risks
Missing teeth leave gaps that are the perfect places for plaque and food particles to get trapped in. Because of this, bacteria in your mouth will thrive, which will make you more likely to develop gum disease and cavities. Gapped teeth are also harder to clean properly. This will also allow plaque and food particles to accumulate and jeopardize your smile.
A missing back tooth may not seem like it will have much of an impact on your smile, but it can lead to some serious complications. Speak with your dentist about the best replacement option to get your beam back on track!
About the Practice
Dr. Chris J. Devlin and his State College team enjoy helping patients learn to love their smiles. They are professionals in all things related to dental health and aim to help you keep smile problems at bay. If you are missing a back tooth, they offer dental implants and other tooth replacement options to prevent complications and give you back your confidence in your smile. Visit Dr. Devlin’s website or call (814) 238-3553 for more information on tooth replacement options or to make an appointment.