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Posted on 1/20/2020 by Pacific Maxillofacial Center |
 If you are one of the 30 million Americans who have lost at least one tooth, you may have switched your diet. It may be easier for you to eat soft foods. But is it better for your mouth as a whole? Probably not. Here is some information about jaw resorption and how it is affected by a soft diet. Missing TeethWhile people can have missing teeth due to accident or injury, people can also have missing teeth for other reasons. The most common reasons are tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay happens when you get cavities in your teeth from bacteria. Over time, the cavity expands until it infects the entire tooth, which leads to tooth loss. Gum disease is also caused by bacteria. If we don't catch it early, gum disease can spread and lead to deterioration of the gums and tooth loss. The Problem with Soft DietsWhen you lose teeth, you may have trouble eating foods that are hard to chew. You may switch to a diet of soft foods. However, this isn't exactly a good idea. When you lose teeth, and you aren't really using the ones you have, your jaw thinks it doesn't need to be as strong as it has been. Over time, if you continue to eat soft foods, your jawbone will begin to lose bone mass. This will eventually change the shape of your jaw, and it can even change the shape of your face. There are ways that you can trick your jaw into thinking that there are teeth still in place, that will also allow you to keep your smile. Do you have concerns about your soft food diet and what it is doing to your jaw? Don't hesitate to give us a call. We can help you find ways to restore the look of your teeth and keep your jaw strong throughout your life. |
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