2 Green Dental 2 Green Walk Crayford Kent DA1 4JL
2 Green Dental 2 Green Walk Crayford Kent DA1 4JL
Missing teeth are far more common than many people realise, and the impact goes beyond what you see in the mirror. Whether tooth loss is due to decay, gum disease, injury, or simply age-related changes, the effects can influence not only your ability to eat and speak comfortably but also the way your face looks and how confident you feel.
For many people in Bexleyheath, tooth loss can create a sense of self-consciousness — avoiding smiling in photos, covering the mouth when laughing, or feeling hesitant in social situations. Understanding why teeth go missing and how to restore your smile can be the first step towards feeling more like yourself again.
There are several common reasons why people experience tooth loss:
Untreated cavities can gradually weaken the tooth structure. If decay reaches the inner layers, the tooth may eventually need to be removed or may fall out on its own.
Gum disease (periodontitis) is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. When the gums and surrounding bone become infected, teeth can loosen over time.
Sports injuries, falls, or unexpected accidents can damage the teeth beyond repair. Even a single knocked-out tooth can make a noticeable difference.
Years of grinding, clenching, or enamel erosion can weaken teeth. Over time, this makes them more vulnerable to cracking or breaking.
Some people are naturally more prone to weaker enamel or gum issues. Certain medical conditions or medications can also contribute to tooth loss.
Losing even one tooth can create a chain reaction affecting both your oral health and facial appearance. Here’s how:
Changes to Your Face Shape
Teeth play an important role in supporting the cheeks and lips. When they’re missing, the face can start to look sunken or collapsed, especially around the mouth. Over time, this can make you appear older than you are.
Shifting of Remaining Teeth
Neighbouring teeth tend to drift into gaps, altering your bite and potentially causing crowding or gaps elsewhere.
Bone Loss in the Jaw
The jawbone relies on the stimulation from chewing to stay strong. When teeth are missing, the bone in that area begins to shrink — a process called resorption — which can affect facial structure.
Difficulty Eating and Speaking
Missing teeth can make it uncomfortable to chew certain foods, which may affect your diet. Speech can also become less clear if gaps interfere with tongue placement.
Impact on Confidence
Perhaps the most noticeable effect is emotional. Many people feel self-conscious about gaps in their smile, which can affect social interactions, work confidence, and overall well-being.
Thankfully, modern dentistry offers several ways to restore your smile, each with its own benefits. In Bexleyheath, many patients consider:
Dental Implants
Dental implants in Bexleyheath are a long-lasting and natural-looking solution. An implant replaces the root of the tooth and supports a custom-made crown. Because implants help preserve the jawbone, they can prevent further facial changes and provide strong, stable results.
A dental bridge uses the teeth next to the gap for support. It fills the space with a prosthetic tooth, restoring function and appearance.
Modern dentures are more comfortable and realistic than ever. They can replace several missing teeth or a full arch, depending on your needs.
Implant-Supported Dentures
For those who want extra stability, dentures can be secured to dental implants, offering improved comfort and confidence when eating or speaking.
Getting help for missing teeth can feel daunting, but it’s an important part of protecting your oral health and maintaining your natural facial shape. Restoring your smile isn’t just about appearance — it’s about improving comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
If you’re considering a dentist in Bexleyheath or want to explore your options, a friendly consultation can help you understand what will work best for you. Every smile is different, and the right treatment can make a life-changing difference.
If you’re ready to explore your options and take a positive step towards a healthier, more confident smile, book online to arrange your appointment today.
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"Many people are afraid to go to the dentist. But here you needn't worry. The whole set up at Green Dental is 1st class and very professional. They...
"Love this dentist. Staff are so friendly, as always a warm welcome from Helen, Jade and Jodie on reception. As for the dentist, they treat you like a...
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"Excellent!! The staff were very friendly, welcoming and helpful. The work was done very efficiently, and I am extremely happy with the quality of ser...
"I recently had teeth extractions done in 2 Green dental and had a very painless experience. All the staff, my dentist and nurse (Jess) were very frie...
"I have attended the practice for a number of years and have always found all staff very friendly, helpful and professional. I recently saw my hygieni...
"Myself and my son both had our appointments with a new young DentIst called Julia. I wanted to say that she was such a lovely person. Very informativ...
"Excellent staff and very friendly. Ameka my dentist is brilliant. I was terrified of the a dentist in the past but NOT anymore. Would highly recommen...
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