Whether you’re missing a few of your teeth or having difficulties with your dentures, you may find that it’s more convenient to eat without them. While sticking to soft foods so you don’t have to wear dentures may prove easiest for the moment, the dental care professionals at Tohill Dentistry in Somerset, KY, say this bad habit can lead to serious risks that are detrimental to your oral health.

3 Risks of Eating Without Teeth or Dentures

1. Gum Infection

When you attempt to eat without teeth or dentures in your mouth, your gums must work harder for you to chew the food you’re eating. While this can cause various symptoms — such as gum swelling and irritation — in worst cases, it can lead to gum infections.

2. Digestion Problems

Without a full set of teeth to break down the pieces of food in your mouth, this can lead to problems in your digestive tract. Incomplete digestion prevents you from properly absorbing the nutrients in your meals and leads to bacterial growth in the colon. This causes symptoms such as abdominal cramping and flatulence.

3. Jawbone Deterioration

Without teeth, your jawbone must work as hard as the gums to break down the food in your mouth. Even more importantly, it also relies on the pressure from the teeth to remain strong. If you keep the habit of eating without them, your jawbone will deteriorate over time and become more prone to fractures and disorders such as TMJ — temporomandibular joint syndrome.

If you have missing teeth or need to get fitted for dentures, schedule an appointment at Tohill Dentistry in Somerset, KY. The friendly dental care professionals offer a comprehensive range of general and cosmetic services and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call (606) 679-4450 to schedule an appointment or visit their website for more information about their dental care services.