By age 17, about 7% of Americans have lost at least one tooth due to decay. Of adults between the ages of 35 and 44, about 70% have lost a tooth. By age 50, Americans have lost an average of 12 teeth.

Missing teeth can increase your risk of decay and disease. You could put your oral and overall health at risk if you delay treatment.

Read on to discover the consequences of losing teeth. After reviewing this guide, you can determine if it's time to seek treatment.

Increased Risk of Decay

The gaps left behind by missing teeth can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Bacteria, food particles, and saliva can mix to form plaque. Plaque can coat your teeth and, in time, hide beneath your gum line.

When a cavity first forms, you may not notice symptoms. As the decay gets larger, you may experience:

• Pain when chewing
• Brown, black, or white stains
• Holes or pits in your teeth
• Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking
• Toothaches
• Tooth sensitivity

Cavities can have serious and lasting complications. You may form a tooth abscess-a bacterial infection that causes pus to form on a tooth. You may develop bite issues, swelling, or pain.

Shifting teeth can lead to bite issues. Surrounding teeth will shift toward the gap left behind by a lost tooth. As your teeth shift, they could become more difficult to brush and floss.

Failing to maintain good oral hygiene practices will further increase your risk of tooth decay. Before you start losing more teeth, talk to your Rockaway Beach dentist. Their restorative dentistry options can fill the gap in your smile.

You'll have an easier time maintaining good oral health. Choose a dentist who prioritizes preventative dentistry. They'll help you avoid oral health issues like cavities. 

Gum Infections

If plaque grows beneath your gum line, your risk of gingivitis will increase. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. When left untreated, it can cause a more serious infection, periodontitis.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are major causes of tooth loss in adults. Symptoms include:

• Gums that pull away from your teeth
• Gums that are tender, red, or swollen
• Pain when chewing
• Tooth sensitivity
• Foul-smelling breath
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
• Malocclusion
• Loose teeth

Without treatment, you'll lose more teeth. Your risk of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and lung disease could increase.

Talk to your Rockaway Beach dentist about dental implants. They can surgically insert a titanium post (the implant) into your jawbone. They'll place a dental crown atop the implant to restore your smile.

If you've lost one tooth, you can request a single-tooth dental implant. If you've lost multiple teeth, your dentist may recommend an implant-supported bridge instead. Schedule a consultation appointment at your dentist's office to determine the best course of treatment.

Your dentist can walk you through the dental implant surgery and procedure. The entire process can take a few months. After your dentist places the implant, the area will need to heal.

During this time, osseointegration will occur. Osseointegration ensures the implant is secure within your jawbone.

Unlike partial dentures, the implant won't shift when you speak or chew. Partial implants are a more permanent solution. They'll act as artificial tooth roots, providing a strong foundation for your dentures.

Bone Loss

Without a tooth root, your jawbone will lack stimulation. You could experience jawbone atrophy as the jawbone begins to deteriorate. Over time, this deterioration can cause further tooth loss.

You may start experiencing facial structure changes. Dental implants can provide your jawbone with the stimulation it needs. That's only one of the many benefits.

Dental implants mimic the natural anatomy of a tooth by operating as an artificial tooth root. Unlike other restorative treatments, it can look and function like a real tooth. Partial dentures and dental bridges won't prevent jawbone atrophy or shifting teeth.

Visit your Rockaway Beach dentist before you start losing jawbone volume. Otherwise, you may have to consider alternative treatment options like bridges. You need enough bone volume to hold the dental implant.

Bite Issues

The gaps left behind by missing teeth could make it more difficult for you to chew. These bite issues could affect your diet. You may start avoiding foods like juicy steaks or crunchy apples.

You'll start depriving your body of essential nutrients, which could lead to a vitamin deficiency. Otherwise, you may swallow large chunks of food instead of chewing thoroughly. Digestion problems, including acid reflux and stomach aches, can develop.

A dental implant can restore your ability to bite and chew. The dental crown atop your implant will function like a real tooth.

If you're missing multiple teeth, it can become even more difficult to chew. Consider all-on-4 dental implants. These implants can restore teeth within an arch.

Speech Changes

The absence of teeth in certain areas of the mouth can cause you to slur words. You may struggle to pronounce certain sounds. Speech changes can become frustrating or make you feel self-conscious.

Whether you're a child, teen, or adult, these changes can affect your personal and professional life. You may feel less comfortable in social settings if you delay treatment.

Talk to your dentist to learn more about dental implants. They can restore your smile and ability to speak. 

Emotional Impact

Missing teeth can affect your appearance, causing self-esteem issues. You may feel less comfortable speaking or smiling around people. The emotional impact affects your mood and mental health.

Before that happens, visit your Rockaway Beach dentist. They can recommend treatment options based on your needs and goals.

For example, you may consider a full smile restoration if you have multiple damaged or missing teeth. A full mouth restoration can improve the appearance of your smile and your self-esteem.

Replace Your Missing Teeth Today

Don't let missing teeth affect your confidence, appearance, or oral health. Instead, talk to your Rockaway Beach dentist. They'll evaluate your teeth to determine which treatment will best improve your smile.

Our team at Arverne Dental has served Rockaway Beach since 2003. We'll ensure your dental care goes beyond your expectations at every level. Contact us to discover your beautiful smile.