The Problems With Chewing Without Teeth

As you age, you start to lose bone mass which can contribute to things like tooth loss— leaving you with the need to have dentures or a dental bridge. And although it’s possible to chew without teeth, it doesn’t come without its own set of problems such as jaw and gastrointestinal issues. To help you better understand the importance of dentures and dental bridges, read on.

Problem #1: Jaw Issues

Gumming food that’s easy to eat may seem like a good idea, but did you know that you can be causing further jaw problems to arise. When you first start to chew without teeth, you will experience some soreness around your gums and throughout your jaw due to the extra pressure in your mouth. Additionally, without having anything to support your jaw and with the buildup of pressure over time, your jawbone can start to deteriorate — leaving you with a sallow looking face and the inability to chew altogether.

Problem #2: Gastrointestinal Issues

Your teeth aren’t just there to make you look pretty when you smile for family photos— they serve a medical purpose. By breaking up your food into small pieces, your teeth play a crucial role in your body’s ability to digest key nutrients and vitamins. If, however, your food isn’t getting properly broken down, it can cause gastrointestinal issues— making it hard for your body to absorb and digest the nutrients it needs to function properly.

Schedule a Consultation

If you have recently lost your teeth and you think you can function without them, you are causing your body more harm than good. Luckily, Dr. Steven Holbrook has a variety of dental devices that he can use to help restore your ability to chew. If you would like to learn more about these solutions or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Steven Holbrook’s office today!