How can you live as long as possible? Obviously, eating a balanced diet filled with healthy foods and getting plenty of exercise are important steps to take. However, the state of your smile could also have an effect on your lifespan. Believe it or not, missing teeth can lead to life-threatening consequences – but replacing them with dental implants can make a big difference. Here are the surprising details on how dental implants can help extend your life expectancy.
The Dangers of Missing Teeth
There is a strong link between your oral health and your overall health. According to a number of studies, individuals who have lost 5 or more teeth before the age of 65 are more likely to suffer from dangerous conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Meanwhile, people who reach the age of 74 with all of their teeth tend to be more likely to reach age 100.
How can missing teeth have such a significant impact on your life expectancy? One possible reason is that tooth loss is often linked to gum disease. The harmful organisms that cause gum disease can potentially enter your bloodstream and cause serious problems throughout your body. Additionally, tooth loss is often connected to bad habits such as smoking and eating poorly – which can also be major risk factors for a number of life-threatening health issues.
How Can Dental Implants Improve Your Life Expectancy?
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are often highly recommended by dentists. A major reason for this is the fact that dental implant posts can act as artificial tooth roots, which gives them a level of strength and stability unmatched by other treatment options.
So how can dental implants help you live longer? Here are a few examples:
- They make it easier to maintain a healthy diet: Missing teeth can force you to give up on all kinds of foods, including healthy options like carrots and apples. But with dental implants, you will be able to eat whatever you want in order to get the nutrition your body needs to live as long as possible.
- They lower your risk for gum disease: Compared to other tooth replacement options, dental implants are easier to keep clean since they can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth. As such, they can go a long way toward reducing your risk for gum disease and the various health issues connected to it.
- They can improve your quality of life: Dental implants can indirectly benefit your health by giving you a smile that you can be proud of. A confident grin can go a long way toward boosting your self-esteem, which in turn makes you more likely to engage in life-extending behaviors such as exercising.
Are you worried about missing teeth shortening your lifespan? Dental implants could be the answer you’re looking for. Contact your dentist today to schedule a dental implant consultation to see if you’re a candidate for the treatment.
About the Practice
At AV Dental Associates of Jersey City, our dentists work hard to make sure that our patients have access to comprehensive, affordable dental care. Among the many treatments we provide, we are happy to offer dental implants to replace missing teeth. To schedule a consultation with our team at AV Dental Associates of Jersey City, visit our website or call (201) 484-7759.
