The average life expectancy in the United States is around 77 years of age. However, many people live well into their 80s or 90s. A few fortunate people even become centenarians! While there are many things you can do that have the potential to help you live longer, one important thing that you might not have thought about is your smile. In fact, it is reasonable to believe that replacing lost teeth with dental implants might help you live longer. Why? This blog post explains.
Tooth Loss and a Shortened Life Expectancy
A number of studies have been conducted that examined tooth loss and its connection to lifespan. The results consistently showed that edentulism (the state of being toothless), or even just the loss of multiple teeth, is associated with a shorter life. For example, data from 2015 showed that people with 20 or more teeth at age 70 were likely to live longer than those with fewer than 20 teeth. A separate study showed that, among people who lived to be 100, there was a lower rate of edentulism at ages 65 – 74 than among those with a shorter lifespan.
Does this data mean that tooth loss actually causes a shorter life? Not necessarily. Often, tooth loss is the result of factors that can significantly affect a person’s overall health. For example, advanced gum disease can result in missing teeth, and it is associated with an increased risk of issues like heart attack and stroke. Smoking, a poor diet, and poor overall quality of life can also lead to an early death.
The Potential of Dental Implants to Help You Live Longer
There are a number of ways in which dental implants might improve your health and lead to a longer life:
- Improved nutrition: Dental implants allow you to chew a wide variety of foods comfortably, which supports a balanced and nutritious diet. Better nutritional intake contributes to overall health and vitality, potentially supporting a longer life.
- Reduced risk of gum disease: Implants help maintain healthy gums by filling gaps left by missing teeth, which reduces areas where bacteria can accumulate. Healthier gums have been linked to a decreased risk of systemic diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
- Enhanced psychological well-being: Restoring the appearance and function of natural teeth through implants often boosts self-esteem and reduces anxiety. Improved mental health is associated with better outcomes in physical health and longevity.
- Lower risk of infection: Dental implants provide a stable and clean environment in the mouth (as long as you stick to good oral hygiene practices), which can decrease the likelihood of oral infections spreading to other parts of the body. A reduced infection risk may contribute to a longer and healthier life.
Do you want to thrive well into your senior years? Taking good care of your smile, as well as promptly replacing lost teeth, may help you do that!
Meet the Practice
At Gillis Dental Professionals in Needham, our team is pleased to provide comprehensive dental implant services. Whether you are missing one tooth or all of them, we can evaluate your case and recommend a path to help you regain a complete smile. To learn more about us or to ask questions about dental implants, contact our office at 781-202-6357.