In the United States, the average life expectancy is around 77 years. However, many people are able to lead active and satisfying lives well into their 80s, 90s, or beyond. What is the key to such longevity? A number of different factors can influence longevity, and oral health is one of them! This blog post discusses the link between missing teeth and life expectancy, and it touches on how dental implants might be able to help you live longer.
Missing Teeth and Life Expectancy
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults in the United States, and research shows that individuals who have lost 5 or more teeth by age 65 are more likely to develop it. These people are also at a heightened risk of osteoporosis and diabetes, both of which have the potential to shorten life expectancy. In contrast, individuals who are able to maintain a complete set of teeth until the age of 74 are more likely to reach 100 years of age than those who have suffered tooth loss.
What explains the correlation between missing teeth and a reduced life expectancy? There are a couple of possible explanations:
- Gum disease. Gum disease is one of the top causes of tooth loss. The bacteria that cause it can sneak into the bloodstream and wreak havoc on other bodily systems. Diabetes and heart problems are substantially more common among individuals with advanced gum disease.
- Shared risk factors. Tooth loss and serious health conditions have some common risk factors, such as smoking and a poor diet.
- Quality of life. For some people, tooth loss can contribute to social isolation, which can take a serious toll on a person’s overall health.
How Might Dental Implants Help You Live Longer?
Once your natural teeth are gone, they will not grow back. However, modern dentistry offers a tooth replacement treatment that has often been called “the next best thing to natural teeth.” Dental implants rebuild lost dentition from the roots upward. They might help you live longer in a few different ways:
- Individuals with dental implants must be careful to maintain healthy gums. If you have active gum disease, your dentist will make sure it is properly addressed before you undergo tooth replacement.
- Dental implants can lead to an improved diet and better quality of life. Strong and sturdy tooth replacement can allow you to eat a balanced, nutritious diet. They can also allow you to smile confidently in any social situation, helping you to establish and maintain meaningful relationships with others.
Life is wonderful, and you should be able to enjoy it for as long as possible. Dental implants might be able to help you do that.
Meet the Practice
The team at the Center for Contemporary Dentistry is proud to offer a full range of services to the Belmont community, including start-to-finish dental implant treatment. The overall wellness of our patients is of paramount importance to us. If you are concerned about gum disease or tooth loss, we are ready to assess you situation and recommend your next steps. Get in touch with us at 603-556-7047.