Missing teeth in Memorial can do more than impact your appearance. They can also interfere with the normal digestion of food. When this happens, the consequences can include indigestion, difficulty in swallowing and nutritional deficiencies. The solution is to see your dentist for a checkup and full evaluation.
Three Reasons Why Missing Teeth Can Impair Your Digestive System
The different components of your digestive system are meant to work together as one. This is part of what makes your body an engine of efficiency. But it also means that trouble in one part of the system can affect others. Here are three examples of what we mean:
- Missing teeth can curtail saliva production, leading to incomplete breakdown of starches and other nutrients. When this happens, problems like mental confusion and lack of energy become common.
- Missing teeth make it more difficult for you to break your food down into easily digested bits. You will instead swallow your meals in large chunks, which can irritate your throat. In some cases, this can even present a choking hazard.
- Missing teeth can force your stomach to overproduce acid, in an attempt to compensate for partially chewed foods. This can contribute to all sorts of digestive issues, including acid indigestion and erosion of your stomach’s protective lining.
Some Options for Restoring Missing Teeth
For all these reasons and more, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible if you’re dealing with missing teeth. He or she will perform a complete oral health examination and recommend a course of treatment. Possible options include:
- Dental crowns. A crown is a cosmetic and functional restoration that protects damaged or partially decayed teeth from further problems. A crown is a viable choice when the base of the tooth is still in good shape.
- Dental bridges. A bridge spans the gap over a missing tooth, restoring lost functionality. A successful bridge requires that a healthy tooth exist on either side of the missing digit to support the appliance.
- These are available in both full and partial versions. Modern dentures are more comfortable and easier to use than ever before. But they can cause problems like dietary restrictions and jawline erosion in some patients. One way to overcome these limitations is with an implant-supported denture.
- Dental implants. The chief advantage of this approach is that a properly placed implant literally fuses with the recipient’s body, through a medical process called osseointegration. The result is the closest possible thing to a restored natural tooth. Implants can restore one tooth at a time or multiple teeth all at once. They can even be used to support a denture plate. Your local dentist in Memorial can give you more information.
Missing teeth are more than an inconvenience or a cosmetic issue. They can impact every aspect of your personal health, including your digestion. But your dentist has treatments that can help. Make an appointment to see him or her today. You’ll soon be well on your way to restoring your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Newman earned her DDS degree from the University Of Michigan School Of Dentistry. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she possesses a wide range of dental knowledge and skills, making her an outstanding general dentist. You can reach her office online or by calling (281) 493-9395.