What are the disadvantages of having teeth gaps?

1. Shifting teeth
2. Difficulty cleaning teeth
3. Increased risk of dental health issues
4. Speech issues
5. Problems with eating
6. Premature aging

Teeth gaps are considered a sign of good luck in some cultures. But for some of you, it might be a cosmetic issue that affects your ability to smile your best. Aside from this, did you know that there are other disadvantages of teeth gaps? These include difficulty cleaning your teeth, eating, and speaking. If not cleaned properly, it increases your risk of oral health problems, too.

Teeth gaps can be caused by a number of things. There could be a size mismatch in your teeth and jawbones, or you could have lost a tooth due to gum disease. Aside from that, tongue thrusting, which involves pushing your tongue forward between the upper and lower teeth when swallowing, is also a problem. Over time, this pressure can push your teeth forward, causing spaces in your smile.

Fortunately, you can have your teeth gap treated through braces, veneers, dental bridges, and more. If the underlying cause is gum disease, your dentist will help stop the infection first, then treat the gap. If you want to know the cons of having teeth gaps, keep on reading!

Shifting Teeth

When you lose a tooth, gaps can form in your smile. But because of the extra space, the surrounding teeth will slowly move in — which changes your bite and appearance. Having teeth that don’t bite properly can cause chipping and breakage. Shifting teeth can cause other dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease.

For this reason, it’s beneficial to have your missing teeth replaced by dental implants or a dental bridge as soon as possible.

Difficulty Cleaning Teeth

Teeth gaps can make it more challenging to clean in between your teeth because of the trapped food particles. These can cause plaque build-up in your mouth. You will need to pay special attention to flossing or using an interdental brush to get rid of all food debris.

If you have a larger gap in one area, the other areas may not have enough room for teeth to come in properly — causing crowding and alignment issues. Crowded teeth can make it harder to thoroughly clean each tooth, which can cause plaque buildup. Even floss may be unable to reach some areas.

Increased Risk of Dental Health Issues

Large gaps between your teeth can cause dental problems if you don’t clean them properly. Plaque, which is the sticky film of bacteria that produces acids after you eat, can damage your tooth enamel, cause cavities, and gum disease. When left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed through dental cleanings.

These dental problems can cause bad breath, toothache, and tooth sensitivity. Gum disease, if neglected, can result in the loss of the bone that supports your teeth. This can cause your teeth to become loose. Tooth loss can lead to more spaces in your smile.

Speech Issues

Teeth gaps can also affect your quality of life. It can cause lisps, which is a speech impediment that can make it harder to pronounce sounds with “s” and “z”. This is because teeth gaps impede the correct placement of the tongue when you’re talking, which allows air to escape, therefore creating a whistling sound.

Certain sounds are also difficult to pronounce when your teeth are not where they’re supposed to be because some sounds require tongue-to-tooth contact. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can help with teeth gaps, which can improve your speaking.

Problems with Eating

Teeth gaps can cause a misaligned bite, which can make chewing difficult — and possibly painful. This can happen especially when you’re eating hard or tough foods such as meat.

This difficulty can force you to swallow large chunks of food rather than chew them properly, which can cause problems in your digestion. Other than that, it may affect your enjoyment of meals, diet, and nutrition.

Premature Aging

When some of your teeth are missing, your jawbone can start to shrink and your facial muscles can begin to sag. This not only changes the shape of your face but also makes you look older than you are. This is because your facial muscles and bones need stimulation from your teeth to retain their shape and appearance.

Fortunately, treating teeth gaps as soon as possible can help you prevent premature aging.

Key Takeaway

Aside from being a cosmetic concern for some people, teeth gaps can also cause dental issues in the future. Because the spaces can trap food particles easily, you will have to pay attention to your dental hygiene. Otherwise, it can lead to cavities or gum disease. Gaps can also cause your teeth to shift, which can lead to a misaligned smile or crowded teeth.

Teeth gaps can affect your quality of life and appearance. It can make it harder to speak and eat properly, which can cause other issues as well. If neglected, the large spaces in between your teeth can even alter your physical appearance.

Now that you have learned the disadvantages of teeth gaps and the importance of having them treated immediately, you can schedule an appointment here at Elevate Dental. Our clinics in Greenhills and BGC are equipped with the latest equipment and facilities, so you can receive the best treatment from our skilled dentists while making your visit comfortable.