It is a common belief that one or two missing teeth do not affect eating and, thus, don't need replacement. Often, people wait for a few more teeth to fall off before seeking replacement. Wearing artificial dentures is generally linked to old age and young people hate this thought and would rather go on with life minus a few teeth than putting something artificial in the mouth.
Being in the profession of saving and replacing teeth for four decades, I would like to reinforce the thought that it is imperative every single lost tooth is replaced. The bone and the teeth are linked; it is the bone that holds our teeth in place and it is the teeth that maintain the height and the width of bone. Losing a tooth means losing the supporting bone, which might not show effects early on but the replacement becomes difficult. You must have seen wrinkled, sagging and old looking faces in people who have lost teeth.
The loss of even one or two teeth means you have a break in continuity of your dental arch. The teeth start moving towards the empty space. This leads to the opening of contacts with the next teeth, resulting in constant food lodgment and beginning of disease.
This migration also leads to deranged bite, with opposing teeth resulting in unfavourable forces that are detrimental to the health of the teeth. Location and position of missing teeth are important as loss of proper bite might result in jaw joint problems, leading to vague pains in the head and the temple region.
QUICK TIPS
Tips to prevent tooth loss:
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Brush at least twice a day after meals. Brushing properly removes plaque
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Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums. Don't forget the tongue
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Choose the right toothpaste. The American Dental Association recommends fluoride toothpaste to reduce dental plaque bacteria
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Brush longer, not harder. Brush for at least two minutes, using a soft-bristled brush
- Floss at least once a day to remove dental plaque hiding between teeth
Chief clinical officer, Clove Dental, New Delhi
