Damaged or missing teeth can affect your bite, potentially compromising your ability to chew nutritious fruits and vegetables, as well as lean animal protein sources. You need certain vitamins and minerals for healthy teeth and gums, in addition to the benefits that these foods give to the rest of your body. Many people overlook this benefit of restorative dental care, however.
Additionally, teeth that are not fully functional can have an effect on surrounding teeth. If there are spaces between teeth or if some teeth cannot fully participate in chewing, other teeth in the area might be subjected to excessive forces that they’re not designed to tolerate. You may need to spend more time with your dentist to repair that damage, as a result. Teeth that are out of position might face a greater risk for tooth loss, as well.
Another compelling reason to get restorative dental care in a timely fashion is to prevent abscesses and other infections of the interior portions of your teeth. When a tooth is broken, the bacteria that reside in the mouth can more readily access the innermost sections of the teeth. These areas are rich with nerve endings, so infections that develop there can be quite painful. The bacteria may also enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the rest of the body. To avoid such outcomes, you should see a dentist as soon as possible after your tooth injury or recognizing that your tooth is damaged.
You may not realize how much the condition of your teeth affects your oral health as well as your smile’s appearance. If you need a restoration, don’t delay in contacting our office to schedule an appointment and get started on the treatment process. It will benefit your health and your appearance.