The Surprising Link Between Missing Teeth and Life Expectancy

The American College of Prosthodontics recently shared that nearly 180 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. So, it’s safe to say that tooth loss is a predominant concern among adults in the U.S. After reading that, your mind may naturally think of the detrimental effects the gaps in your smile can have on your confidence and ability to eat your favorite foods. However, there is an even more important consequence to consider: reduced life expectancy. To learn more, keep reading.

How Does Missing Teeth Affect Life Expectancy?

Over the last few decades, tooth-replacement solutions, like dentures, have advanced significantly. As a result, they are no longer the obtrusive, bulky restorations they once were. Not only were they hard-to-maneuver, but some research points to the idea that they could actually shorten a patient’s lifespan by a whopping 10 years! And, unfortunately, even with all the advancements, normal dentures still do not prevent this decrease in life expectancy. Here are a few reasons why:

Malnutrition

With strong, healthy teeth, you have the ability to bite into a wide range of foods, from crisp apples and crunchy kale to lean proteins, like fish and chicken. Unfortunately, denture-wearers often run into difficulties when it comes to eating, largely due to the fact that it can be uncomfortable or even painful to eat with them in. As a result, patients are unable to get the variety of vitamins and nutrients their bodies need to thrive.

Jawbone Atrophy

Want to hear a shocking statistic? Within the first five years of wearing dentures, a patient’s bite force is reduced by 75%. By the 15-year mark, that number increases to 97%. Yikes! That’s because when tooth loss occurs, the jawbone begins to atrophy. Since dentures simply rest against the gums, they don’t provide the necessary stimulation to keep the bone strong. Naturally, this results in a “denture diet,” which largely consists of soft foods, like applesauce and oatmeal.

So, What’s the Solution?

If you’re currently struggling with tooth loss or wear dentures, don’t worry – there is a solution: dental implants. This state-of-the-art solution may require a higher upfront cost; however, it’s important to note that they are designed to last a lifetime. Thanks to their durable makeup, they can last for 20+ years with proper care. Even better, they are the only tooth-replacement option that replaces the entire missing structure of the tooth, from root to crown. For these two reasons, dental implants won’t reduce your life expectancy.

6 Priceless Benefits of Dental Implants

Still on the fence about whether or not you should make the switch to dental implants? Here are a few of the many priceless benefits to consider when weighing your options:

• Dental implants stimulate your jawbone, preventing bone loss and preserving your youthful face shape.
• Dental implants are custom-made for each patient.
• Dental implants can address mild, moderate, and severe tooth loss.
• Dental implants are extremely comfortable, bypassing the discomfort associated with traditional tooth-replacement solutions.
• Dental implants don’t need to be replaced every 5-10 years – they can last a lifetime with proper maintenance!
• Dental implants are easy to care for – just brush, floss, and visit your dentist like usual!

With more than 175 million Americans struggling with tooth loss, it’s a common oral health issue facing adults in the U.S. That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t take restoring your smile very seriously. Although the upfront cost of dentures may be lower, it’s important to consider the long-term effects, like reduced life expectancy, when selecting which tooth-replacement solution is right for you. Of course, if you have any questions or are ready to make the switch to dental implants, don’t hesitate to get in touch!