How Missing Teeth Can Affect Your Oral Health Over Time
Posted on September 22, 2025
Missing teeth can happen for a number of reasons whether that’s physical trauma or the result of progressive gum disease. While a missing tooth may just appear to be a cosmetic issue, the reality is that tooth loss can have serious long-term consequences for your oral health and quality of life. To protect your smile and oral health, it’s recommended to consult a professional as soon as you experience tooth loss or dental trauma. Whether you're looking at preventive measures or restorative treatments like dental implants in Whitby, early action is key. If you’ve been told that you’re at risk for tooth loss because of gum disease or other causes, book a consultation at The Perio Centre with Dr. Adam Ohayon, a leading periodontist serving Whitby and Oshawa.
Here are some of the ways missing teeth can affect your oral health.
Tooth Loss and the Jaw
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth begin to shift to fill the gaps left behind. This movement can cause misalignment, affecting your bite and leading to problems like uneven wear, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing. Over time, this misalignment may contribute to issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is responsible for jaw movement. Intervening with smart and effective dental solutions can help delay or mitigate common conditions like TMJ disorder which can interfere with comfort and every day tasks.
More importantly, the jaw bone underneath the missing tooth can start to deteriorate when there is no longer a tooth root stimulating the bone. As bone resorption begins, it weakens the jaw bone over time which can cause more tooth loss and can cause changes in facial structure resulting in a sunken appearance or facial sagging. Dental implants, offered by an experienced periodontist in Whitby like Dr. Ohayon helps restore the missing tooth root with the titanium, surgical-grade replacement which stimulates the bone during chewing and talking, aiding in preserving sufficient bone density in the jaw.
Gum Disease and Tooth Decay Risk
Gaps from missing teeth also make it harder to clean surrounding areas properly, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and infection. This can accelerate the progression of gum disease and may even lead to further tooth loss if left untreated. In some cases, patients may not realize the extent of the damage until they’re dealing with widespread oral health issues. That’s why it’s important to not delay your next step after tooth loss, which is visiting a local periodontist near you.
How a Periodontist in Whitby Can Help
A periodontist in Whitby like Dr. Adam Ohayon who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and other supporting structures of the teeth, play an essential role in managing oral health both before and after tooth loss.
Preventively, your periodontist can assess your gum and bone health, provide scaling and root planing if needed, and identify signs of periodontal disease early on. After tooth loss, they can help stabilize your oral health and prepare you for restorative options like implants.
In cases where bone density has already started to diminish, a periodontist may recommend bone grafting or soft tissue grafting to rebuild the structure and create a suitable foundation for dental implants in Whitby. These specialists work diligently to ensure the best outcome for your long-term oral health.
From Gum Disease Management to Dental Implants in Whitby, Trust The Perio Centre
At The Perio Centre, our experienced team focuses on more than just fixing the problem. Our team looks at the root cause to help you maintain a healthy, stable smile for life. Whether you’ve recently lost a tooth or have been living with gaps for years, we’re here to walk you through your options and guide you toward a treatment plan that restores both function and confidence.
With advanced technology, skilled clinicians, and a focus on patient comfort, we provide trusted care in everything from routine gum treatment to full dental implants in Whitby.