Tooth loss is frustrating! Who wants a gap in their teeth or the loss of ability to chew a juicy steak or crisp apple?
If you have ever lost a tooth or teeth, you know that it is an uncomfortable scenario. Many people feel insecure about how they look because of an empty space in their smile and many people associate tooth loss with being older.
While it is important to feel confident in one’s appearance, insecurity is not something that will immediately affect your health in a negative way.
However, there are some serious consequences to tooth loss that you want to be aware of as they could have a serious impact on you or someone that you love!
Below are 6 Major Health Risks Associated with Tooth Loss
Risk #1: Shorter Life Expectancy
According to a 17-year study, comparing seniors with 22 or more teeth to those with less than 22 teeth, on average, those missing teeth died 10 years younger.
Source: https://www.newswire.com/wearing-dentures-can-reduce-life/205673
Risk #2: Heart Disease
The American Heart Association confirms that periodontal disease, which leads to tooth loss, is linked to cardiovascular disease.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3282705/
Risk #3: Obesity and Diabetes
People with less than 10 teeth are more than 50% more likely to be obese. And, obesity is the main contributor to Type II Diabetes.
Source: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1806-83242014000100243
Risk #4: Obesity and Diabetes
Individuals suffering from tooth loss have an increased risk of certain fatal cancers. These include oral cancer, upper gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2723958/
Risk #5: Mental Illness
Studies confirm there is a link between poor oral health and mental illness. Some of these issues include depression, bi-polar disorder, dementia and schizophrenia!
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4841282/
Risk #6: Premature Aging
Tooth loss leads to jawbone loss which, accelerates the loss of more teeth and jawbone. The structure of the face changes leading to wrinkles, shorter height of the face and a protruding chin. All these changes lead to a more aged appearance.
Source: https://www.realself.com/question/bone-loss-correct-teeth
Fortunately, many of these conditions can be prevented, slowed down and possibly reversed with tooth replacement in the form of dental implants. Dental implants look and function like real teeth allowing for more chewing ability, a better diet, improved self-confidence and a more youthful appearance.
Article originally published at yournewteethnow.com.