Missing teeth can be the result of heredity, poor dental health, gum disease, or accidents, among other reasons. Leaving the missing tooth space empty may not sound too serious, but the consequences of not filling in the space could include the following:

1. The teeth adjacent to the missing tooth can change position to fill the gap–similar to a tree falling over in the forest. Usually, there is another tree nearby to “catch” the falling tree. Taking this example back to the mouth, when a tooth migrates, or “falls” into that space, it creates a difficult area to keep clean–it may naturally pack a lot of food, but it may not be so readily cleansable. In the forest, this area would be where mushrooms grow–it’s dark, it’s moist, it’s a perfect environment. In your mouth, it’s where bacteria collects breeds, and flourishes. From your mouth, that bacteria gets disseminated throughout your entire body.

2. The loss of your missing tooth’s root can cause your jawbone to shrink, making your face appear prematurely older. In reality, your teeth hold the shape of your lips, mouth, and face. It’s the roots that keep the bone employed. With no tooth, the bone in that immediate area has no job–no purpose. Eventually, that bone will disappear and cause mobility and eventual loss of more teeth.