For a long time, tooth loss over the years was considered inevitable. But a study recently published in the journal BMC Geriatrics shows that this belief is outdated: losing teeth can indeed be harmful to your health.
For nearly four years, researchers followed more than 8,000 older adults and found that those who lost their teeth quickly had a higher risk of death from all causes.
During this period, 5,176 deaths (64.1%) were recorded. Overall, mortality risk increased significantly as the progression of tooth loss became more rapid, even after adjusting for factors such as chronic diseases and socioeconomic conditions.
Research shows that tooth loss can have profound psychological consequences, harm mental health and increase the risk of death. “Tooth loss goes well beyond aesthetics. It compromises chewing and, therefore, the digestion and absorption of nutrients,” observes dental surgeon Letícia Bezinelli, coordinator of the undergraduate course in dentistry at the Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein.
“When older adults fail to chew well, they tend to avoid fibrous foods, fruits and meats, which can lead to malnutrition, muscle loss and worsened immunity.”
The damage to health does not stop there. Accelerated tooth loss often leads to serious problems in the oral cavity. Oral diseases, such as periodontitis, cause systemic and chronic inflammation, which can aggravate pre-existing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. »
Oral inflammation releases inflammatory mediators that increase the risk of atherosclerosis, glycemic decompensation and functional decline,” warns dental surgeon Fernanda de Paula Eduardo, coordinator of the postgraduate course in geriatric dentistry at Einstein.
“Moreover, tooth loss is a marker of frailty and worse nutritional status, two independent predictors of mortality in older adults.” She says when the body loses the ability to regenerate and maintain periodontal tissues, it can be a sign of accelerated biological aging.
Prevention measures
Even though it is still common to see elderly people with missing teeth, it is possible to have a healthy oral age thanks to simple preventive actions: brushing your teeth, not smoking (neither traditional cigarettes nor electronic cigarettes) and regular visits to the dentist.
“With adequate hygiene, control of bacterial plaque, a balanced diet, particularly with a reduced sugar content, and professional monitoring, it is possible to keep all or almost all of your teeth throughout your life,” assures Fernanda Eduardo.
One of the biggest challenges, however, is changing the cultural perception that tooth loss is a natural part of old age. “For decades, dentistry was only associated with pain relief and then very focused on aesthetics. Many older adults grew up without access to preventative care and believe that tooth loss is a natural part of aging,” notes Bezinelli. “Today we know that it is a myth: teeth can and should last a lifetime.”
Experts say oral health must be integrated into public policies aimed at healthy aging. This includes the presence of dentists on primary care teams, training of caregivers, screening programs in long-term care facilities and educational campaigns.
“Integrating dentistry into healthy aging policies is not just an aesthetic issue, it is a public health and longevity strategy,” concludes the dentist.
About The Author
