Lack of teeth can affect the jawbone
When one or more teeth are missing, it can result in bone loss at the site of the gap, leading to various problems with appearance and overall health. This loss of jawbone can cause pain, issues with remaining teeth, changes in facial appearance, and eventually difficulties with speaking and eating normally.
Just like muscles need exercise to stay strong, bone tissue requires stimulation to maintain its density. Natural teeth help stimulate the jawbone through activities like chewing and biting. However, when teeth are missing, the alveolar bone, which supports the teeth in the mouth, no longer receives this necessary stimulation and begins to deteriorate. Without the use of the jawbone, the body starts to break down and resorb it.
Learn about the possible outcomes of tooth and jawbone loss
- Problems with remaining teeth, including misalignment, drifting, loosening, and loss
- Collapsed facial profile
- Limited lip support
- Skin wrinkling around the mouth
- Distortion of other facial features
- Jaw (TMJ or temporomandibular joint) pain, facial pain, and headaches
- Difficulty speaking and communicating
- Inadequate nutrition as a result of the inability to chew properly and painlessly
- Sinus expansion
