Consequences of Not Getting Dental Implants
Losing a tooth is far more than a cosmetic setback – it’s a gateway to a host of health challenges that can quietly impact your confidence, well-being, and everyday life. While dental implants offer a proven solution, hesitation over cost, time, or fear of the procedure often leads people to delay or avoid treatment. But is it really worth the risk? No matter if you’re in Mira Mesa or a nearby area, keep on reading as we’re about to discuss the often-overlooked consequences of not replacing missing teeth and why taking action now can protect your health and quality of life for years to come.
Can dental problems cause health problems?
Yes, oral health is closely linked to overall health because your mouth is a key entry point to your body. It acts as a gateway to both your digestive and respiratory systems, meaning any issues in the mouth can have a ripple effect on the rest of your body.
Your mouth naturally contains bacteria, most of which are harmless when balanced by good oral hygiene. However, neglecting oral care allows harmful bacteria to thrive, leading to problems like tooth decay and gum disease. This becomes a bigger concern for two main reasons:
1. Access to the bloodstream
The gums are rich in blood vessels, and if they become inflamed or damaged, harmful bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream. Once in circulation, these bacteria can travel to other parts of the body, potentially causing or worsening systemic health issues.
2. Chronic inflammation
Gum disease, for example, leads to chronic inflammation in the mouth. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection or injury, but when it becomes chronic, it can contribute to the development or progression of conditions throughout the body.
You need to keep in mind that they both contribute to your overall health.
Does losing teeth affect health?
Absolutely. Losing teeth affects more than just your smile. It has a domino effect on your physical and mental well-being:
- Jaw bone loss: Tooth roots play a crucial role in keeping the jawbone strong and dense. When a tooth is lost, the lack of stimulation causes the bone underneath to weaken and shrink, which can eventually lead to a sunken or aged appearance in the face..
- Difficulty chewing and eating: Missing teeth can limit your ability to eat certain foods, forcing you to avoid crunchy, fibrous, or nutritious options like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
- Speech problems: Gaps in your teeth can alter how you pronounce words, making it difficult to speak clearly.
- Increased risk of oral health issues: Surrounding teeth may shift into the empty space, creating misalignment. These changes can make your teeth harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: Furthermore, this can put stress on your jaw joints, potentially resulting in TMJ disorders that cause pain, headaches, and difficulty opening your mouth.
What happens if I don’t get a dental implant?
Choosing not to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant or other solution can lead to a range of consequences that may worsen over time. Here are some of diseases caused by poor dental hygiene:
A number of chronic diseases
Oral infections put additional stress on the immune system. The body’s constant effort to fight off oral bacteria can leave it less equipped to handle other threats, increasing vulnerability to other diseases.
Issues related to the cardiovascular system
The gums are rich in blood vessels, and if they become inflamed or damaged, harmful bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream. Once in circulation, these bacteria can travel to other parts of the body, potentially causing cardiovascular issues.
Compromised jawbone health
This is just one of many complications of neglected mouth care. Without teeth, the jawbone begins to weaken and shrink, which can lead to noticeable changes in your facial structure.
Mental health & cognitive decline
Losing teeth doesn’t just affect your smile. It can also harm your mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Additionally, there is evidence that tooth loss and poor oral health may increase the risk of dementia.
A higher risk of malnutrition
Healthy teeth and gums are essential for eating a balanced diet. Missing or painful teeth can limit food choices, making it difficult to get essential nutrients. Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illness and slowing recovery from injuries.
Decrease in lung function
Poor oral health is often associated with respiratory issues. Harmful bacteria from the mouth can reach the lungs, leading to respiratory infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or worsening conditions like COPD.
Inability to regulate blood sugar
Diabetes makes individuals more prone to infections, including gum disease. In turn, periodontal disease can make managing blood sugar levels more difficult, potentially exacerbating diabetes-related complications
Higher cancer risk
When people ask what illnesses can bad teeth cause, cancer might not be the first thing that comes to mind—but it should. Missing teeth can lead to chronic inflammation, which has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, with studies suggesting a rise of 9-47%.
Progression of arthritis symptoms
Gum disease can set off inflammation in the body, which may aggravate arthritis symptoms, increasing joint stiffness and pain and impacting overall mobility and comfort.
Lack of purpose or contentment
Beyond the physical effects, missing teeth also take a toll on mental health. Self-esteem issues and social withdrawal due to embarrassment can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Increased risk of premature birth
Pregnant women with poor oral health may face a higher risk of complications, including preterm birth. Studies suggest that periodontal disease can increase the likelihood of premature delivery by up to six times.
A 30% increased risk of mortality
Significant tooth loss has been associated with a higher likelihood of mortality, often due to the broader health complications it can signal or contribute to.
Who in Mira Mesa can tell me more about all the side effects of bad teeth?
Unfortunately, rotten teeth have many effects on the body, but the good news is you don’t have to face it alone. At Temecula Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we’re here to help with any concerns or questions you have. Dr. Tsvetov, a highly experienced and certified oral surgeon serving Mira Mesa and beyond, is ready to guide you through your options and find the best treatment for your needs and budget. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
Sources:
- Yuqing Zhang, Suzanne G Leveille, Ling Shi et.al “Multiple Chronic Diseases Associated With Tooth Loss Among the US Adult Population” Jul 2022. Doi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9283677/
- Ya-Ling Lee, DDS, Hsiao-Yun Hu, PhD, Nicole Huang, PhD, De-Kuang Hwang, MD, Pesus Chou, DrPH, and Dachen Chu, MD, PhD et.al “Dental Prophylaxis and Periodontal Treatment Are Protective Factors to Ischemic Stroke” Doi: https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.000076
- Anita Aminoshariae, Ali Nosrat, Aleksandar Jakovljevic, DDS, PhD et.al “Tooth Loss is a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease Mortality” Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2024.06.012
- Manish Agrawal, Jiwan Asha Agrawal 2, Lalita Nanjannawar 1, Sangamesh Fulari 1, Vishwal Kagi et.al “Dentofacial Asymmetries: Challenging Diagnosis and Treatment Planning” July 2015 Doi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4513767/
- https://doi.org/10.3389/froh.2024.1363982
- D M Davis, et.al “The emotional effects of tooth loss” May 2000, Doi: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10859849/
- Claudine Khoury et.al “The association between oral health and nutritional status in older adults” June 2022 Doi: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35689206/
- Nilanjana Dwibedi, R Constance Wiener, et.al “Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tooth loss, and edentulism among adults in the United States” October 2020 Doi: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31732091/
- Lewis Winning et.al “Periodontitis and incident type 2 diabetes” March 2017, Doi: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28036104/
- Jiahe Wang et.al “Relationship between periodontal disease and lung cancer” June 2020, Doi: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32583879/
- Sushil Kaur et.al “Periodontal Disease as a Risk Factor for Rheumatoid Arthritis” 2012, Doi: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27820156/
- Ammar Abdullah et.al “Oral health-related quality of life and loneliness” July 2024 Doi: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39075622
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