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Dental laboratories are essential. Thank you for dedicating yourselves to improving the lives of your fellow humans, (and in some cases NOT humans). You provide a service which ultimately enhances an individual’s aesthetic, self-confidence, physical health and overall well-being. The true magnitude of your impact on society could never be measured.
Something that has been studied is the correlation between tooth loss and cognitive impairment. It’s fairly well known, according to studies, that poor oral health increases someone’s chances of suffering from cognitive issues like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Recently, additional research “revealed that the association between tooth loss and cognitive impairment was NOT significant when participants had dentures.”
THE STUDY
New analysis by NYU’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing reaffirms tooth loss could increase a person’s risk for cognitive decline. Additionally, “…with each
tooth lost, the risk for cognitive impairment increases.” The research was published in JAMDA: The Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine on July 8th, 2021. Another observation from the meta-analysis is that “timely prosthodontic treatment with dentures may reduce the progression of cognitive decline related to tooth loss.”
What I find interesting is that the research suggests that with each tooth lost, the risk of cognitive impairment increases. Analysis by the NYU researchers showed that each additional missing tooth was associated with a 1.4% increased risk of cognitive impairment and a 1.1% increased risk of being diagnosed with dementia. So, basically, the more teeth you’re missing, the more likely you are to suffer from cognitive decline. This is fascinating to me and underscores the correlation between oral health and mental health.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
Researchers have offered many possible explanations for the connection between tooth loss and diminished cognitive function. One major reason could be that missing teeth leads to difficulty chewing which might hinder a person’s ability to maintain a healthy diet. The inability to smile naturally could be another reason for increasing cognitive impairment. A positive self-image that a patient receives from a dental prosthetic works to improve their mental health.
Furthermore, a major factor for tooth loss is gum disease, according to a growing body of research. Gum disease is a major factor of tooth loss and contributes to deteriorating oral health. These issues ultimately lead to a compromised physical and mental health.
EFFICIENT SOLUTION
The most effective solution is maintaining oral health. You should also receive timely treatments or dentures if necessary to help reduce your risk of developing any cognitive deficiencies as you get older.
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