If you are insecure about your teeth, you are not alone. Seven in ten people in the United States feel insecure about their teeth. Having a missing tooth is not fun. It can be quite embarrassing to smile with a gap in your teeth. However, besides having a beautiful smile, having a missing tooth can damage your dental health. That is why you should quickly replace a missing tooth. There are several options for replacing missing teeth. These include dental implants, dental bridges, removable partial dentures. Here are some reasons why it is important to replace a missing tooth.

Restore Your Confidence

When you have a gap in your teeth, you can end up feeling self-conscious about it each time you smile. That can be quite damaging to your confidence. Therefore, the sooner you get that tooth replaced, the sooner you can get your confidence back. Having your teeth replaced will work wonders for your self-esteem. Apart from that, a missing tooth can also affect your speech. For instance, there are some instances when you can start slurring words or whistling when you speak. All this will greatly affect your self-esteem.

Bone Loss

One of the most significant concerns when it comes to staying with a missing tooth is the possibility of bone reabsorption. Without the roots of a tooth, your jaw bone will lack support, and it can start deteriorating each year. This can lead to a weakened jaw, and the process is known as jawbone reabsorption. Apart from weakening your jawbone, this condition can also drastically change the appearance of your face. To prevent this from occurring, you must get your tooth replaced. You can either get dental implants, or you can get a partial denture.

Teeth May Shift and Loosen

When you have a full set of teeth arranged neatly in a row, they will support each other and stay lined up and stable. However, if one of your teeth goes missing, there is a risk that the rest will start shifting. With time, your teeth will start drifting out of place, and this can lead to changes in your bite. You will also be prone to gum disease and possible tooth decay.

It Affects Your Mental Health

Living with a hole in your smile is difficult. You can try to ignore the discomfort for a while, but as time goes on, it can start getting to you. The constant embarrassment of having a gap in your grin will affect your mental health.

Getting your teeth replaced can be the best thing to ever do for yourself. Replacement options are far more preferable than staying with a gap in your mouth. Most dental implants do not only feel but also look like real teeth. When you’re ready to get started, visit your local dentist to get that missing tooth replaced.