Missing Teeth

It is very important to replace missing teeth. Teeth make it possible to chew, speak, keep facial muscles and tissue in their proper position, smile and prevent other teeth from shifting. Once a tooth is lost, the whole balance of the mouth is disrupted. This can lead to a variety of serious problems.

When a tooth is lost, the teeth will inevitably begin to shift. This make take some time to notice but it actually happens fairly rapidly. After a few years, the size of the lost tooth’s opening will have closed dramatically, turning a fantastic smile into a gapped-hole smirk. The cheeks or the lips can also appear sunken – affecting speech and sound, and the bite will also change. Chewing becomes more difficult and tooth decay becomes more prevalent because what was once a self cleansing tooth arrangement is now a plaque-trapping nightmare.

These are not the only effects of losing a tooth. TMJ (jaw) problems can also result, causing headaches and other discomfort. To minimize the possibility of such complications, a missing tooth should be replaced promptly.

Help a young child brush at night-the most important time to brush, due to lower salivary flow and higher susceptibility to cavities and plaque. Perhaps let the child brush their teeth first to build self-confidence, then the parent can follow up to ensure that all plaque is removed.

Usually by age 5 or so, the child can learn to brush his or her own teeth with proper parental instruction. The best way to teach a child how to brush is to lead by good example. Allowing your child to watch you brush your teeth teaches the importance of good oral hygiene.