Your Dental Care & Quality of Life
There are some lessons in life that are learned quickly and early. For instance, don’t let your mom brush your hair when she is mad or don’t trust your dog to guard your food. Other lessons are learned over time and sometimes too late. One of the most important concepts that is beneficial to acquire early is the value of health, including dental health.
Research completed over the last decade shows a strong correlation between tooth loss and a decrease in the quality of life. Tooth loss is defined from loss of functional dentition (20 or less teeth) to severe tooth loss (8 or fewer teeth) or complete tooth loss.
As you would expect, individuals in these situations lead to poor diet conditions which can lead to further systemic complications like heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, history of stroke, and so on. In addition, psychological factors are associated as a result of low self-esteem regarding appearance or self-worth.
The good news is that advancements in dental care provide not only for prevention but adequate restorative care. The improved understanding of periodontal disease and its prevention significantly changes the dynamic of dental patients no longer facing major tooth loss.
In addition, dental radiography and long-term restorative care allows the prompt discovery and treatment of dental decay to avoid excessive removal of tooth structure. Also, advancements in dental implants offer the permanent replacement of teeth with seamless safety and certainty.
Ultimately, the goal in maintaining your teeth and quality of life is a matter of prevention. It all starts with the basics of a healthy diet, daily brushing and flossing, and of course, visiting your dentist. Together we can do our best to keep your smile lasting your whole, happy life. Happy smiling!
