If teeth are missing, chewing food is more difficult. It is very common for people with missing teeth to experience nutritional deficiencies because they have stopped eating healthy foods that are too tough to chew.
As soon as a tooth falls out, the bone that used to support it weakens. Most of the bone damage in this case happens during the first year. Wearing dentures intensifies the problem because they do not make contact with the bone. Only dental implants can replace the action of a natural tooth root and stop bone loss.
Most chewing is performed by the rear teeth, which can wear down over time. Missing teeth can accelerate this and lead to a vertical collapse, a term used to describe specific changes in facial structure. The chin points upward, the mouth corners turn down, and the expression takes on a perpetual grimace. Bone loss can also cause cheek hollowing and the lips and tongue to settle in unflattering positions.
