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Losing a tooth in childhood is usually an exciting event that many kids look forward to as they grow up. In adulthood however, losing a tooth isn’t something that’s typically celebrated or shown off! If you find yourself missing a back tooth that no one can see, you may be wondering if you really need to worry about replacing it. However, leaving that gap in your smile can lead to some serious consequences. Here are five reasons why you need to replace a missing tooth in the back of your mouth, even if no one can see it.

1.) CHEWING DIFFICULTIES & DIGESTION ISSUES

Your teeth aren’t just for looks, especially your back molars! These wide, flat teeth are essential for tearing, chewing, and grinding up your food. Eating without one or several back molars is often difficult and uncomfortable. What’s more, missing back teeth can keep you from chewing your food thoroughly, which can lead to digestive issues and malnourishment.

2.) SHIFTING, TILTING, & CROOKED TEETH

If there’s a gap in your smile, the neighboring teeth will naturally begin to lean towards it. One missing tooth in the back of your mouth can cause a domino effect of shifting teeth, eventually leaving you with a mouth full of crooked pearly whites.

3.) JAW SORENESS & STIFFNESS

Your molars help encourage an even bite as you chew. Eating without even just one back molar will put more pressure on one side of your jaw than the other. This can cause extra wear on your front teeth and put them at a higher risk of damage. It also strains the jaw muscles and joints, which can easily lead to TMJ disorder and other jaw issues that may need to be corrected with surgery.

4.) CHANGES IN FACIAL STRUCTURE

Whether you can see your missing tooth when you smile or not, tooth loss inevitably leads to a change in appearance. The roots of your teeth stimulate blood flow in the jawbone, so as soon as one goes missing, that part of the jaw begins to deteriorate. As it shrinks away, the facial bones your jaw supports will begin to shift as well, which can lead to a sunken, aged appearance in your facial features.

5.) RISK OF ORAL & OVERALL HEALTH PROBLEMS

The empty space left behind from your missing back tooth can easily trap bits and pieces of food. Not only is this uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it fuels the oral bacteria in your mouth. As these particles accumulate, your risk of oral health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections increases dramatically. As if that weren’t enough, poor oral health can influence the rest of your body and lead to systemic health problems like diabetes, respiratory infections, memory loss, and heart disease.

Thankfully, if you’re missing a back tooth, you can replace it with the next best thing with a dental implant! This modern tooth replacement solution mimics missing teeth both above and below the gumline, which helps it prevent all five of the above issues associated with tooth loss. Talk to your dentist today to see if this life-changing treatment is right for you!  

ABOUT THE PRACTICE

Breckinridge Dental & Orthodontics is pleased to offer a variety of tooth loss solutions for the smiles of Richardson and the surrounding communities. They use the latest dental technology and techniques to ensure their patients receive the most efficient, comfortable, and long-lasting dental care. Not only do they offer dental implants, but their highly trained team can perform the entire procedure under one roof for maximum convenience. To learn more about replacing missing teeth, they can be reached via their website or at (972) 248-9119.