Dentures are not just uncomfortable and unattractive; they are also causing greater health-related problems than you may be aware of as a patient. When dentures don’t fit properly, bacteria can accumulate in areas underneath and behind the dentures.  This accumulations puts unnecessary stress on the already weakened body which may lead to host of other problems including diabetes and heart disease.

As addressed earlier, statistics support that there are numerous health problems including digestive disorders and malnutrition with toothless patients.  Likewise, the patient must adapt to an entirely new life insofar as eating is concerned:  Food will taste different as the patient loses taste buds from the roof of the mouth and the ability to enjoy the texture and even the thermal sensations of the food is diminished.  Gagging is also a potential problem that should be addressed.

While tooth loss may seem like a small problem compared with other health and fitness issues, it is often the first sign of much greater health problems for many people.  Tooth loss can possibly even put a patient at higher risk for oral cancer, dementia, and systemic diseases, and may even contribute to decreased mobility and a shortened life span.

Dementia The American Dental Association (Oct. 2007) released results from an astonishing study conducted through the National Institute of Health.  The study found that people with no teeth or very few teeth had a higher rate of dementia.  This study is the first of its kind to shed some light onto a troublesome disease affecting today’s aging population.

At this point the exact link is unclear.  Based on their findings, however, some possible theories were suggested.  One was the impact and damage from gum disease (resulting in tooth loss) and it’s affects on the brain. Another possible cause of the link was the inability to properly chew food for optimal nutrition.

• Danger of Tooth Loss –Aging, Wrinkles, Life Span, Nutrition– Dental Implants & Dentures
• Health Hazards of Tooth Loss and Long-Term Denture Use
• Dentures & Tooth Loss–Important in Preventing Heart Disease and Cancer?
• Lady from Wheaton Could not Taste Food with Dentures, Dental Implants
• Denture Hazards–Decreased Life Expectancy & Mobility