Some people like the appearance of gaps in teeth, while others feel self-conscious about them. However, no matter their opinion on these openings, most people are unaware that they carry health risks. If you're wondering whether you need to visit a dentist about a gap in your smile, here's why you should do so.

Why Do Dentists Advise Patients to Fix Gaps in Their Teeth?

1. Shifted or Loosened Teeth

A missing tooth or gap in your smile will cause the surrounding teeth to move and shift to fill the open space. When this occurs, they fall sideways and end up crooked. As a result, chewing can become complicated, making you bite harder. The extra force can even lead to chips in your smile. An opening can also cause the surrounding teeth to become loose and fall out.

2. Bite and Jaw Changes

Teeth trying to compensate for a gap often leads to an over or underbite. Not only does this affect the appearance of your smile, but it can also result in ear, jaw, or forehead pain. With a misaligned bite, you may even begin to chew on a particular side, causing uneven wear on the teeth.

An open space in your smile also alters your jaw, as it becomes smaller when there's a gap. Due to this problem, the bone can weaken and be unable to support the remaining teeth. If left unattended, you could even experience tooth loss. 

3. Gum Disease

Food will get stuck more frequently when there is extra space in your smile. When this occurs, bacteria will feed on the lingering particles and produce acids that decay the gums and teeth. As a result, the soft tissues will become irritated and inflamed, leading to gingivitis. If neglected, this early stage of gum disease will advance to periodontitis, requiring more costly and extensive treatment.

If you have a gap in your teeth, visit Stephen R. Ho, DDS, in Honolulu, HI, to avoid the above problems. This dentist provides a wide range of oral care services, from teeth whitening to dental implants. With their 25 years of experience, high ratings online, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau®, you can trust this practice to provide high-quality treatment. Call (808) 949-4288 to speak with a team member, or visit them online to learn more about their services.