The Psychological Effects of Tooth Loss

Did you know that 36 million people in the U.S. are missing all their teeth? Plus, a whopping 120 million American adults are missing at least one tooth. Whether it is an avulsed tooth from a car accident or a missing arch of teeth from gum disease, the end result is often poor oral health and aesthetics. Although the physical changes are the most obvious, the mental and emotional repercussions should not be dismissed. If you or a loved one has a missing tooth in Kerrville, read on for the psychological effects and restorative treatment options.

How Tooth Loss Impacts Self Confidence

According to research conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry, 40% of people noticed someone’s smile first and 96% believe a smile is crucial to a person’s appearance. If you have straight, healthy, white teeth, then your self-confidence may get a bit of a boost hearing that. However, if you have gaps in your smile or are missing teeth, findings like these can lead to feelings of insecurity and inadequacy.

The Social Implications of Tooth Loss

When 20,000 dentists were interviewed by the Academy of General Dentistry, one commonality was abundantly evident: social embarrassment is a significant problem related to tooth loss. Plus, subsequent research has found that patients with one or more missing teeth have less social interaction than those who have a complete smile. Also, the physical consequences of tooth loss, like the inability to chew or speak properly, can compound this issue and make social gatherings, milestone celebrations, and first dates a source of embarrassment. Eventually, this can negatively impact the person’s ability to create new friendships, build romantic relationships, and bond with their coworkers.

Fix Your Smile, Bite, and Speech with Restorative Dentistry

If a small gap in your smile or an entire arch of missing teeth is negatively impacting your life, then it is time to consider restorative dentistry! Thanks to revolutionary technology and modern techniques, patients today can restore their smile, bite force, and speech with a multitude of treatment options, including dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. To start your journey to a full, beautiful smile, schedule a consultation with your dentist today!

About the Author

After completing his undergraduate degree from Tarleton State University, Dr. Carroll R. Butler earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School at San Antonio. Over the last nearly three decades, he has joined the United States Air Force, become a member of the American Dental Association, and provided world-class care to his community. If you would like to speak with Dr. Butler about restoring your smile following a tooth extraction in Kerrville, TX, don’t hesitate to visit his website or give him a call at 830-257-4900.