Here's How That Gap in Your Smile Can Undermine Your Oral Health

A gap in your smile can cause more than just cosmetic problems or embarrassment. From impacting your ability to chew food to increasing your risk of common oral health problems like gum disease, gaps in your smile, and missing teeth affect more than how you look. 

At the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry in Beverly Hills, California, our prosthodontist Dr. Ramin Mahallati and our team offer a range of restorative and cosmetic dentistry services like dental implants and porcelain veneers.

How the gap in your smile can undermine your oral health

Here are some of the unexpected side effects and risks to your oral health caused by gaps between your teeth:

Nutrition

Depending on the size and position of the gaps between your teeth, biting and chewing certain foods can be difficult. Over time, it can harm your health. If the gaps in your smile are large enough to make eating and chewing difficult, contact us to schedule an appointment. 

If you’re missing teeth, it’s essential to replace them to improve your health.

Bite problems

Significant gaps and spaces eventually make your teeth shift, causing changes to your bite. If you notice changes to your bite (how your teeth fit together and feel when you bite down), schedule an appointment for a checkup. Problems with your bite can also affect your oral health over time.

Food traps

Gaps and spaces between your teeth can become “food traps.” When food gets stuck between your teeth and gums, the bacteria eventually harden into plaque and tartar, which cause cavities and increase your risk of developing gum disease. 

Brushing after meals and flossing daily are the best tools for preventing cavities and gum disease, but you also need regular dental exams and cleanings to pick up what your toothbrush and floss leave behind.

Gum recession and bone loss

If the gap in your smile is due to missing teeth, you’re also at risk for bone loss and gum disease. Gaps can also make your gums prone to injury and gum recession, making your teeth more sensitive and exposing the root to damage.

Speech problems

Even small and minor gaps can affect your speech, making your speech sound slurred. 

How to fix gaps in your smile

If the gap in your smile is causing embarrassment, social anxiety, or affecting your oral health, several solutions are available. For missing teeth, dental implants and crowns are the best solutions to improve your smile and restore your oral health.

If you have minor to moderate gaps not caused by tooth loss and that don’t require orthodontic treatment, dental bonding or porcelain veneers are great options to fix the size, shape, and color of your teeth.

For more information about the cosmetic and restorative dentistry services we offer at the Center for Implant and Esthetic Dentistry in Beverly Hills, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mahallati.