Can a Missing Tooth Lead to Infection?

According to the American College of Prosthodontics, more than one in every two people has lost a tooth, and up to 40 million Americans have lost their complete dentition. The body is an intricate network of connected systems, which means oral health conditions like a missing tooth can negatively impact other parts of the body. The fact is that the more the number of missing teeth, the higher the chances of additional health issues. Continue reading to know how missing teeth can cause infection and what you can do to resolve the situation.

The consequences of missing teeth

Poor smile aesthetics is not the only adverse effect of having a missing tooth – the situation can also compromise the health in other ways. With just one lost tooth, it gets harder to chew properly, meaning the person will have to depend on the other teeth; that pressure is often too much on them. Now to the focus of this article, the gap between the teeth increases the risk of infections such as gum disease. Here is how:

When a tooth is lost, the rest of the teeth start to move their position. The gum and the jawbone supporting it soon start to recess and resorb. The gap between the teeth and receding gums form pockets that allow bacteria to thrive. Gum disease, which starts as minor gingivitis indicated by sensitive and bleeding gums, is a serious bacterial infection that poses a significant threat to the rest of the teeth and the body.

Once patients notice the initial symptoms of gum disease, they need to visit the dentist immediately to get the proper treatment. The earlier treatment starts, the higher the chance of stopping irreversible damage on the oral cavity. Without proper treatment, gingivitis triggers a chronic inflammatory response. It will worsen into periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum infection, which will cause the teeth to loosen and fall out from their socket due to damage to supporting structures. This means the patient will end up with more missing teeth and infection.

Infection and overall health

The infection from gum disease does not affect the smile alone. Gum disease causes swelling of the blood vessels, encouraging the spread of bacteria to other areas of the body. If the infection gets into the bloodstream, it can cause damage in other parts of the body.

Scientists have connected gum disease to serious medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, premature births and Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to replace a missing tooth and prevent gum disease to stop potential health complications.

In conclusion

The higher the number of missing teeth, the higher the risks of complications for a patient’s oral health. Therefore, it is important that patients who have suffered tooth loss visit the dental office as soon as possible to discuss potential options for replacing the missing tooth. The dentist will be happy to recommend the best option and help you stop the possible progression of infection in the mouth.

Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreefamilydental.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.

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