Teeth are an essential part of our body that helps us chew our food, speak clearly, and maintain the structure of our face. However, some people may lose their teeth due to age, poor oral hygiene, or accidents. In such cases, dentures can be an option to restore the lost teeth. But, if you don’t have teeth or dentures from a dentist, it can lead to horrifying outcomes that can negatively impact your overall health and well-being. Here are three of the most significant horrors of not having teeth or dentures:
1. Malnutrition
A significant outcome of not having teeth or dentures is malnutrition. Without teeth or dentures, it becomes difficult to chew certain foods, especially hard and crunchy ones like fruits and vegetables. As a result, people without teeth or dentures may avoid these foods or swallow them without proper chewing, which can cause digestive problems.
The lack of proper chewing can also lead to decreased saliva production, which hinders digestion. Over time, this can lead to malnutrition, as the body does not receive the nutrients from a balanced diet. Malnutrition can cause many health problems, including weakness, fatigue, and immune system deficiencies.
2. Speech Problems
Teeth play a crucial role in speech; with them, it can become easier to communicate effectively. The tongue, lips, and teeth work together to produce different sounds; when there are missing teeth, the tongue and lips can’t make the necessary contact points. This can lead to slurred or distorted speech, making it difficult for people to understand what you’re saying.
Additionally, people without teeth or dentures may become self-conscious about their speech and avoid social situations, which could lead to isolation and depression. Speak to a dentist about getting dentures if you are on the verge of losing teeth.
3. Bone Loss
Teeth not only help us chew our food and speak, but they also play a vital role in maintaining the structure of our jawbone. When you lose teeth, the bone that once supported it begins to deteriorate. This happens because the jawbone receives signals from the tooth for chewing, stimulating bone growth. The bone begins to resorb or dissolve without that stimulation, leading to bone loss.
This can cause the jawbone to shrink long-term, which can change the shape of the face and make a person look older. Additionally, bone loss can make it difficult to fit dentures or implants in the future, making it even more challenging to restore lost teeth.
Avoid These Horrifying Outcomes with Mass Dental Associates
Losing teeth and not having dentures can lead to several horrifying outcomes that can negatively impact a person’s physical and mental health. Malnutrition, speech problems, and bone loss are just a few of the significant consequences of not having teeth or dentures. However, it’s important to note that several options are available to restore lost teeth, including dentures, implants, and bridges. If you’ve lost teeth, you must ask a dental professional for the best option for your situation. Restoring lost teeth can improve your overall health, confidence, and quality of life.
Founded in 2005 by Dr. Al-khateeb H., Mass Dental Associates is committed to providing quality dental care tailored to individual patient needs. Our Boston practice offers a wide range of services, from routine teeth cleaning to advanced dental procedures. Our services include teeth cleaning, fillings, root canals, cosmetic dentistry like whitening, implants, veneers, and Invisalign, restorative dentistry, and treatment for periodontal disease. Call (617) 859-3939 for an appointment with the best Boston dentist!
