(HealthNewsDigest.com) – The importance of dental health may seem limited to one’s mouth, but the repercussions affect the whole body.
The average American’s access to oral care has been in a crisis for the last decade. Many Americans find dental appointments too expensive and thus forgo giving their oral health the care it needs.In 2017, the New York Post stated that 1 in 4 US citizens will refuse medical care due to financial constraints. But neglecting the state of one’s mouth has whole health ramifications.
The CDC reports that a fourth of Americans who are over 65 have lost their teeth and go without replacements. A third have tooth decay issues that are untreated.
A focus on oral care has whole-health benefits
Poor oral health and has been linked to diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Surgeries, such as dental implants may seem cosmetic in nature, but in fact, play a key role in a variety of health-related effects.
The ability to chew can affect a person’s nutritional intake. Loss of teeth can cause an individual to shun foods like carrots, meat, and other foods with a hard or crunchy texture. Alternatives to hard foods are often highly processed and low in nutritional density. For example, ice cream, puddings, white rice, and white bread. Having full control of one’s mouth is essential for eating foods that will keep a person in good health.
On a surface level, when the state of a person’s smile declines, their self-esteem in social settings takes a hit. This can result in withdrawing from events or gatherings that they used to frequent. Feeling uncomfortable or dissatisfied with one’s appearance is a common enough emotion. But in severe cases, it could lead to reclusiveness and depression. Both states which bring their own secondary health-related risks and dangers.
On the other hand, a person who pays attention to the state of their oral health is likely to work on other aspects of their appearance. Individuals who take action to improve their appearance often wind up making healthier choices as a result.
The role dental implants play
Dental implants are recommended by dentists when a patient loses a tooth or several teeth. An implant takes the place of the original tooth through a surgical procedure that affixes the implant to the jaw.
The success rate of such surgeries depends on where in the mouth the implant is placed. There are certain conditions that contribute to a higher success rate and others that point to a higher risk. Dentists will assess the likelihood of success to determine if a patient is a good candidate for the surgery.
Healthy gums and enough jaw bone are a requirement for a successful surgery. Patients who smoke heavily, or who suffer from diabetes, heart disease or who are undergoing radiation may be discouraged.
Why patients are choosing dental implants over bridges and dentures
Dental implants are not the only option for oral repair. Before advancements in oral care, dentures and bridges were the choices that dentists had to offer those with missing teeth. Today, the choices that patients have are more varied. And depending on a person’s health and other factors, one option might be more beneficial than the other.
However, dental implants have been rising in popularity. Withbridges and dentures falling out of favor with dentists and patients.
One commonly stated motiveis the ease of eating that implants provide over dentures. Dentures often slide around in a person’s mouth. This can reduce the types of foods the individual is able to eat, as well as cause embarrassing situations.
On a structural level, teeth loss often results in lessened bone density in one’s jaw. When this happens, the shape of a person’s face can change. In successful cases of dental implants, new bone tissue will grow around the implant. Thus, dental implants protect the face’s structure as well as help to prevent bone loss.
An oft-cited reason on the implant vs. bridges debate: Bridges require filing down surrounding teeth in order to affix a replacement tooth to the nearby teeth. Dental implants do not require the reduction of healthy teeth in an individual’s mouth, leaving healthy teeth intact.
Convenience is important to those who choose dental implants over dentures. Dentures require daily storage, cleaning, and placement. Whereas implants simply require the same amount of cleaning and care as one’s natural teeth.
Dental implants are also built to be highly durable. If well cared for, some dentists believe they can last a lifetime.