If you're missing some teeth, you need to see a dentist right away. Tooth loss affects more than your self-esteem. Tooth loss can also affect your health. This is especially true if you're trying to chew without teeth. That's why it's important for you to replace your teeth as soon as possible. If your missing teeth aren't visible when you smile, you might think you can wait to replace them. That's not the case though. You need your back teeth for chewing. Plus, your back teeth help to maintain the shape of your face. If you've decided to wait to see the dentist, read the list provided below. Here are four reasons to talk to your dentist about replacement teeth right away. 

Bone Loss

If you've been chewing your food without teeth, you could have sustained bone loss. The constant grinding action on your jaw bone can cause the bone to deteriorate. Unfortunately, once bone loss happens, it can become difficult to replace. In fact, the only way to restore lost bone is through a bone graft. To prevent bone loss, you should have your missing teeth replaced right away. Your dentist can fit you with a temporary denture, or partial. That way, you can chew your food while you wait for permanent replacements. 

Gum Damage

If you're missing teeth, you need to see a dentist right away. When you chew food with your gums, you can cause serious damage to the soft tissue inside your mouth. This is especially true with regard to your gum tissue. Cuts inside your mouth can get infected, which can lead to other dental problems. Once your dentist replaces your missing teeth, you won't need to worry about gum injuries. 

Jaw Problems

If you're still trying to chew your food without teeth, you could be harming your jaw. Chewing without teeth can put uneven pressure on your jawbone. This can lead to an increased risk of jaw pain. It can also increase your risk of developing temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ. Reduce your risk for these problems. Talk to your dentist about the options you have for replacement teeth. 

Digestive Issues

If you've lost your permanent teeth, don't wait too long to replace them. Chewing your food without teeth could cause you to experience digestive issues. That's because you can't chew your food well enough to ensure proper digestion. Plus, when you chew your food, your stomach produces acids. This allows food to get digested faster once it hits the stomach. If you don't have teeth, the discomfort could prevent you from chewing your food long enough. This could make it difficult for your stomach to produce stomach acid. That means you could develop digestive disorders. To improve digestion, have your teeth replaced as soon as possible.

Make an appointment with a local dental clinic, such as Queen Street Dental, to see a dentist. 

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