Caring for teeth
Like any part of a person’s body, teeth require care and maintenance. Neglecting important dental hygiene steps could lead to tooth loss and other oral health concerns. From the time a person starts to get teeth, daily brushing is essential. Brushing at least twice a day by using toothpaste with fluoride can reduce the risk of cavities and will keep teeth looking nice. Daily flossing will remove food particles between teeth, eliminating plaque and tartar buildup. Both of these practices will also help the person maintain healthy gums.
Issues that can lead to a missing tooth
Sometimes, tooth loss occurs due to an accident or simple bad luck. A hard blow to the face from a slip and fall or from an incident playing sports can break or dislodge a tooth. For other people, especially older patients, a missing tooth can be the result of severe decay or gum disease. Ignoring brushing or flossing and putting off visits to the dentist can lead to these conditions. A badly damaged tooth may fall out on its own. Or, a tooth may have such significant decay that the dentist cannot salvage it.
Fix it for aesthetic reasons
One missing tooth may not seem like a tremendous burden. However, for some people, this could be embarrassing and may even hurt a person’s self-esteem. Someone missing a front tooth, for example, may not feel comfortable in social situations, in speaking in front of a group or meeting new people. Repairing this gap could go a long way toward restoring a person’s self-image.
Fix it for practical reasons
A broken or missing tooth can be painful. Replacing it with a crown, implant or bridge can eliminate the discomfort and irritation. A missing tooth can also make it difficult for a person to eat, especially if the individual has lost a molar. A gap in the mouth can also affect a person’s speech and the shape of their face.
Fix it for health reasons
A missing tooth can affect the neighboring teeth that remain and even lead to further tooth loss. The jawbone can also start to shrink, causing the gums to recede. The faster the patient repairs the gap, the less likely it is that the person will experience other oral health problems.
Do not ignore it
Whether you lose a tooth from an injury or health issue, it is important to visit
your dentist immediately to take care of it. Do not put off this appointment and risk developing additional conditions. You can improve your appearance and well-being by replacing the teeth as soon as possible. Your dentist has multiple options to help restore your smile, so call today.
Are you considering replacing your missing tooth in the Catoosa area? Get more information at
https://www.dentalartsofok.com.
