Discover the hidden risks of chewing with only one side of your mouth and the domino effect it can have on your oral health.
In a youtube video (check it out here), I discussed these issues in detail.
When you don't fill the missing tooth space and continue to chew on only one side of your mouth, it can lead to the collapse of the adjacent teeth. The missing tooth creates a gap where the neighboring teeth can shift and tilt into, causing misalignment. As a result, your bite may become uneven, leading to difficulties in chewing and potential damage to the surrounding teeth.
Additionally, the collapse of adjacent teeth can affect the overall stability of your dental arch, potentially leading to further tooth loss and the need for more extensive dental treatments.
Another consequence of not filling the missing tooth space is the supereruption of the opposing tooth. When there is no opposing tooth to come into contact with, the tooth in the opposite jaw can start to elongate and over-erupt. This can disrupt the natural alignment of your teeth and affect your bite.
Supereruption can also cause discomfort and sensitivity in the opposing tooth, as it is not properly supported by its natural counterpart. It is important to address the missing tooth to prevent these issues from occurring.
Chewing on one side of your mouth due to a missing tooth can contribute to gum recession and bone loss. The pressure exerted on the remaining teeth during chewing may not be evenly distributed, which can lead to gum recession and expose the delicate roots of the teeth.
Moreover, the lack of stimulation from chewing on the missing tooth space can result in bone loss in the jaw. Over time, this can weaken the jawbone and affect the stability of the remaining teeth.
Root exposure is another risk associated with not filling the missing tooth space. When the gums recede due to uneven chewing forces, the roots of the adjacent teeth become exposed. This exposes the sensitive root surfaces to temperature sensitivity and increases the risk of decay.
Exposed roots are more susceptible to bacterial plaque buildup, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. It is essential to address the missing tooth to prevent these complications and maintain optimal oral health.
Chewing predominantly on one side of your mouth can put excessive strain on the remaining teeth, increasing the risk of fractures. The teeth on the side that is used more often are subjected to greater forces, which can weaken them over time.
The uneven distribution of biting forces can cause stress fractures or lead to the development of cracks in the teeth. This can result in tooth sensitivity, pain, and potential tooth loss if left untreated.