If you have lost a tooth then, depending on where that tooth was located in your mouth, you may regard it to be a big problem, or you may feel it’s something you can live with.

missing teeth

Here at CK Dental our philosophy is that losing a tooth is not something that you should view lightly – even if you don’t think it is a big problem because it’s not immediately visible to others, you should know what the implications are of not replacing a lost tooth so that you can make an informed decision.

Location

The first thing to consider is where in your mouth the missing tooth was located. If it was at the front and was more visible, then its loss is probably affecting your smile. If that is the case, it is probably affecting your confidence too.

Speech

You may notice that since losing your tooth your speech has become affected – this is very common. Your tongue and teeth are integral to how your words are formed, and when something is unexpectedly changed in your mouth, you can expect that it will affect how your words sound when you try and pronounce certain things.

Trouble chewing

You’ll have to make a concerted effort to find different areas of your mouth to tackle more challenging foods, ones that require more effort to bite, chew or break up.

Moving teeth

If you leave a gap unfilled you may find that other teeth begin to move around once they notice a space has been vacated. This can lead to issues with how your teeth look and feel – you may find that your ‘bite’ feels different as even small changes to where your teeth rest when you close your jaw feel significant.

With this in mind, it is no wonder that most patients choose to fill the gap of a missing tooth with a man-made equivalent. Implants and veneers can be fitted and will be designed to fit with your natural teeth as closely as possible. Not only will solutions such as this restore confidence and make you happier with your smile and how you’re able to annunciate, but they will help ensure that you don’t suffer further oral complications as a result of a missing tooth.

illness and dental healthWhen we’re not feeling 100% it can be a pretty miserable time, and we naturally tend to tackle the visible symptoms of whatever ails us. Many people don’t realise that when you’re fighting a nasty bug, there can be hidden implications that can put your teeth in harm’s way. Here at CK Dental in Bristol we’ve prepared a quick rundown of what to look out for when you’re not feeling very well.

Sickness bugs and dental health

If you’ve succumbed to the winter vomiting bug (norovirus) or have picked up a nasty bout of food poisoning, your teeth won’t be your main concern… but they are right in the firing line.

Each time you are sick, potent stomach acid passes through your mouth and can damage tooth enamel. If tooth enamel becomes damaged it can cause teeth to become sensitive, become discoloured or become more likely to become damaged.

The first thing you’ll want to do once you’ve been sick is to brush your teeth, but this is not recommended straight away. Washing and swilling your mouth with fresh water first is the best course of action, then you can brush as normal after 30 mins or so. However, if this is not practical, if the sickness strikes in the middle of the night (for example) then brushing your teeth is a better option than not.

Chesty coughs, tickles and sore throats and tooth decay

If you’re feeling pained by a persistent cough or have a sore throat, there are a plethora of cough syrups available that you’ll no doubt work your way through until you find something to ease the discomfort. While they might ease one problem, the sugar content in a lot of cough medicines is eye-wateringly high and can put your teeth at risk of developing cavities or decay. There are often sugar-free alternatives available, and although they may not taste quite so good, they’re a lot better for your oral health.

Dehydration and dental bacteria

If you’re feeling really groggy, the chances are you’ll not be eating and drinking enough. If you’re suffering with sickness and/or diarrhoea, then there is a good chance that you’re probably getting dehydrated. This can be serious for many different reasons, including the repercussions it can have on your teeth.

If you’re dehydrated then your mouth won’t be able to produce enough saliva, which helps keep the pH balance in your mouth at the correct levels. Salvia is also your mouth’s natural way of keeping bacteria at bay. Even if you don’t really feel up to drinking, keep sipping water as it will do your body no end of good.