Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
There are more than 36 million Americans who have lost at least one permanent tooth, according to data compiled by the American College of Prosthodontists. Losing teeth can be a distressing experience, and the decision to replace them with treatments like dental implants or dentures may bring its own set of concerns. Nevertheless, there are risks that come with eating with missing teeth, a topic we explore today on the blog.
The concerns with restorative dentistry
Some individuals grapple with the social stigma of wearing dentures, making them hesitant to use them at all. Or, for patients considering dental implants, they may be worried about the cost involved or the amount of time it takes to complete the procedure. The reality is, though, that replacing your missing teeth in Okemos is important to both regaining your ability to chew and also filling that hole in your smile.
Gum and jaw issues
When you try to chew food without teeth, your gums and jaws bear more of the workload than they are meant to do. The absence of teeth means that your gums and jaws must work harder to process food properly. Continuously eating without teeth will lead to sore and easily irritated gums. Even chewing softer foods can become challenging over time. This behavior can eventually result in gum disease, stemming from an infection in the gum tissue, or temporomandibular joint disorder. Over time, the excessive stress on your jaw can even increase the risk of a fractured jawbone.
Digestion problems
Eating without teeth can hinder digestion because swallowing inadequately chewed food can create issues elsewhere in your digestive tract. Swallowing large food fragments leads to incomplete digestion, as nutrients aren’t fully extracted from the food. Any undigested food may become a potential source of bacteria in your colon, leading to bacterial growth, flatulence and general indigestion. Unfortunately, this also can lead to malnutrition since your body misses out on absorbing vital nutrients that the chewing process facilitates. Chewing also plays a crucial role in saliva production, which relaxes the pyloric muscle, enabling food to pass smoothly into the small intestine and signaling the gastrointestinal system to initiate the digestive process.
Long-term consequences
Eating without teeth over an extended period can be detrimental to your overall health. If you’ve been postponing replacing your lost teeth, it’s time to reconsider. Are you hesitant due to potential stigma associated with wearing dentures? Concerned about the financial obligations linked to advanced tooth replacement options like dental implants? Whatever your reason, it’s important to prioritize your health.
Restorative dentistry in Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing in Michigan
Don’t wait any longer to address your missing teeth. Contact Tenaglia Dental to regain your ability to eat, speak and maintain optimal oral and overall health. We offer a range of tooth replacement options to suit your needs. We understand that tooth replacement can be a significant decision, and our team of professionals will work with you to come to the best decision. To explore our tooth replacement treatments and schedule a consultation, please visit us online or call our office today at (517) 347-6733.