Teeth can fall out for many reasons, some of the most common being tooth decay, gum diseases, and mouth injuries. Statistically, almost half the adult population of the United States does not have a perfect set of natural teeth. {SOURCE} Most people don’t address the problem of missing teeth because they don’t believe it can have dire consequences.
Unfortunately, missing teeth can adversely affect your health in the long term. The medical term for missing teeth is known as ‘hypodontia’.
What is Hypodontia?
Hypodontia is defined as the problem of missing one to six teeth. There are many causes of hypodontia, but the most common cause is heredity. Hypodontia treatment includes bridges, dentures, dental implants, and orthodontics. Here’s a look at the top three causes of hypodontia.
Causes of Missing teeth
There are many causes of missing teeth in adults and children. Here’s a look at the top three reasons:
- Genetics – Genetic conditions such as an inherited malformation of the jawbone, cleft palate and lips, or tooth agenesis prevent the development of one to five teeth after primary teeth fall out.
- Gum Disease – Gum diseases may cause gaps between the gums and teeth, known as pockets. If left unattended for a long, these pockets may cause decay in bones and teeth and lead to tooth loss. Other gum diseases like gingivitis may cause plaque build-up below the gumline. It causes another disease called periodontitis – which also results in a loss of teeth.
- Injury – Injuries that cause trauma to the teeth, such as sports injuries, car accidents, or a fall, can make you lose teeth. Losing an entire tooth in this manner is a severe injury that may affect other parts of your mouth and jaw. If you or anyone near you has suffered from such an injury, they should be given immediate medical attention.
Problems Due to Missing teeth
Living with missing teeth may not seem all that bad, but leaving missing teeth unaddressed can cause more significant problems in the long term. Here’s a look at the top three problems caused by missing teeth –
- Difficulty in Chewing – Teeth are essential for biting or chewing our food. Breaking the food down in our mouth makes it easier to swallow and digest. Biting or chewing crispy foods or hard foods can be challenging without a proper set of teeth.
- Speech Issues – Teeth help us speak. There are various sounds we use in day-to-day life that may sound slurred in the absence of a complete set of teeth. Such a speech defect can make you self-conscious or embarrassed in the long run.
- Changes in Facial Structure/Dental Shift – Teeth help in shaping our facial structure. They support our cheeks and lips. Without teeth, your cheeks and lips may droop, making you look older. In the worst cases, losing your teeth may also alter the shape of your nose.
Even though it seems a common problem – missing teeth must not be ignored. If you or anyone in your family has one or more missing teeth, it’s better to address the problem sooner rather than later. Like other health issues, you can seek help from your dentist to help remedy your missing teeth. They can recommend the most suitable treatment for your condition.