If you have one or more missing teeth, it's important to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Along with cosmetic concerns, missing teeth can also take a real toll on your oral and general health. Fortunately, it's possible to find an effective solution to avoid the following problems when you act quickly. 

How Can Missing Teeth Affect Your Health and Wellness?

1. Tooth Misalignment

Even a single missing tooth can affect the stability of the rest of your teeth. That's because gaps allow other teeth to drift out of position, which can then lead to lots of dental defects. 

For instance, it may become harder to floss between teeth that are impacted. Your bite might also become misaligned, which can lead to abnormal wear patterns on the affected teeth. These issues make it harder to care for your teeth in an effective way, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. 

2. Loss of Bone Tissue

Bone tissue goes through a continuous cycle of loss and regeneration. Your tooth roots are integral in this cycle, as they stimulate the jaw bone to ensure tissue is sufficiently regenerated. 

When teeth are missing, jaw bone tissue will be lost faster than it regenerates, which can lead to numerous problems. It can even change the structure of your face when bone loss is prolonged. 

3. Nutritional Deficits

Missing teeth can also affect your health in other ways. For instance, they can impact digestion and nutrition when gaps in your smile prevent you from chewing correctly.

In this case, you may need to avoid hard-to-eat foods, such as fruits and vegetables, due to oral issues. Restorative procedures like dental implants ensure you can eat the foods you love while also receiving the essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs to thrive.

When it comes to missing teeth, dentist Craig A. Spletzer, DDS can help people in Fairfield, OH find the perfect treatment. Dutifully serving local patients since 1990, this kind and compassionate dental care team offers a wide range of preventative and restorative procedures. They can also perform a comprehensive exam to determine whether you're a good candidate for dental implants. Visit them online to learn more about their implant procedures or schedule an appointment today by calling (513) 860-1133.