It’s easy to convince yourself that widespread tooth loss or the loss of multiple teeth is something to let yourself feel worried about. Just one little ol’ tooth, however, well … you may figure that you will never miss it (or you will miss it but it’s certainly nothing to assume is devastating to your oral health). The truth is: It can have such a surprisingly large effect on your smile health that you will wish you’d acted instantly to rectify the problem. Find out why!

It Affects Chewing

You’re used to having all of your teeth. When you are missing even one of those as a result of tooth loss, it can throw off your usual chewing habits. It might cause you to chew differently. Or, it may just make your usual efforts less effective. You need every one of them!

It Can Cause Collisions Between Teeth

Teeth that never touched before (or that made little contact) may suddenly collide consistently, which can feel bad, which can cause tissue damage, and which isn’t going to do you any good. Replace even one tooth after tooth loss to keep all teeth safe.

It Can Strain TMJs

When you try to chew differently or when you try to keep teeth from colliding, you might shift your jaw around for comfort. Unfortunately, this can strain your jaw joints (called TMJs) that provide this motion.

Your Jaw May Suffer, Too

It doesn’t take all over tooth loss for you to end up with jawbone problems. Translation: Even one tooth that you end up losing may cause your jawbone to think it doesn’t need to be there, so some tissue me deteriorate. You need all of your teeth so that your jaw tissue stays strong, dense, full, and ready to support its teeth.

Address Any Type Of Tooth Loss ASAP

Don’t neglect to treat tooth loss. Even if it’s just one tooth, it can have a very strong and very negative impact on your smile if you don’t address it! To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kalyan Nadella or Dr. Benjamin Walder, call Columbia Dental & Orthodontics in East Dallas, TX today at (214) 827-8000. We also gladly serve patients in Mesquite, Oak Cliff, Garland, and all surrounding communities.