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Unfortunately, for older patients losing their natural teeth isn\u2019t a far-off nightmare\u2014it can be a close reality!\u00a0 While tooth loss in seniors has decreased overall, there are still a large number of senior patients that remain with no teeth at all! If you\u2019re wondering why you\u2019re more susceptible to tooth loss as you age, this post from your Kansas City, MO dentist explains it all.<\/p>\n
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Losing teeth at an older age is normal due to natural wear and tear over the years. Over time, chewing and biting weaken the protective layer of enamel. Bacteria and plaque can lead to sore and swollen gums that eventually trigger gum infection and advanced gum disease.\u00a0 When left untreated, gum disease damages the underlying bone and tissue that supports teeth. This causes teeth to loosen, fall out or require professional removal prematurely. Other risk factors for tooth loss include cavities, ongoing dehydration, substance abuse, tobacco use, poor nutrition and physical trauma.<\/p>\n
Just because you lose teeth doesn\u2019t necessarily mean your oral hygiene is horrible\u2014but there is definitely a decline in your oral health. In fact, those who still have teeth are healthier in general. Tooth loss can be a strong indication of mental and physical decline in adults between 60- and 74-years-old.<\/p>\n
Studies from Harvard Dental School revealed that people with tooth loss have an increased risk of stroke, supporting previous reports that gum disease (and subsequent tooth loss) increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.<\/p>\n
Many seniors opt for dentures after losing teeth to continue a normal lifestyle. While dentures allow seniors to chew easier and smile without fear, they aren\u2019t the best tooth replacement option because they have slippage issues.<\/p>\n
Instead, talk to your Kansas City, MO dentist about dental implants\u2014a permanent solution to tooth loss. This helps to replace the full tooth from root to crown, fully completing your smile again. Having new tooth roots will keep the whole mouth healthy, including the jawbone.<\/p>\n
Strong overall health contributes to healthy teeth and gums. Alcohol and smoking are risk factors for premature tooth loss, so it\u2019s best to eliminate those habits while you\u2019re young. Not only is smoking and drinking in excess bad for your oral health, these habits contribute to lung cancer and liver disease, among other ailments.<\/p>\n
Consider these additional tips to help keep natural teeth intact past the age of 60:<\/p>\n
Tooth loss at a young age indicates more serious underlying issues, and if not treated, could lead to additional damage, health complications and a diminished quality of life. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your local dentist.<\/p>\n
By offering complete dental care utilizing modern dental technology, Dr. Byars provides his patients the dental care and services they need to maintain a healthy smile. He loves developing long-lasting relationships with patients and changing their smiles to improve self-confidence and quality of life throughout the years. Feel free to contact our office to schedule your next dental appointment.<\/p>\n
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Unfortunately, for older patients losing their natural teeth isn\u2019t a far-off nightmare\u2014it can be a close reality!\u00a0 While tooth loss in seniors has decreased overall, there are still a large number of senior patients that remain with no teeth at all! If you\u2019re wondering why you\u2019re more susceptible to tooth loss as you age, this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-130","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n