What are some of the implications of losing your teeth because you can't afford dental care?

Several things: Unable to chew, speak and smile with confidence. Low self esteem due to missing front teeth. Shifting of the adjacnet teeth next to where teeth are missing. This can lead to a collapsed bite. Furthermore, there will eventually be significant bone loss where the teeth are missing. This may can give an older looking appearance.

Tooth loss: Lost teeth may result in: - part of tooth still under gums - pain, infection, compromised cosmetics - certain missing teeth may affect your speech or cause problems with chewing - adjacent tooth shifting (resulting in jaw joint pain, bite issues, difficult to clean areas resulting in cavities and/or gum disease) call your local dental school or hospital for lower cost care. Info: www.Ada.Org.

Shortened life: You received some good answers. We must not lose sight of the fact that the teeth and mouth are connected to the rest of the body. Dr. Charles mayo of the famed mayo clinic made the statement that you can expect to live 10 years longer if you keep your own teeth. The inflammation that results from poor oral health has a direct result in the health of the rest of the body.

Go to a restaurant: A really humbling lesson is next time you go out to eat, just look around at all the people eating. We really love to eat; it's enjoyable and satisfying. Without your teeth, all of that is going to be greatly affected.

Digestion: The first step in digestion is the chewing of your food. Loss of teeth compromises this first step! poor digestion results in many GI problems. Nutrition can also be affected. Oral health is essential to overall bodily health!

Many: Losing teeth can affect many parts of your life- confidence, speech, eating, health, potential TMJ/TMD issues, etc. Should consider all options before deciding to get teeth removed.