Researchers have uncovered that older people that are socially isolated are more likely to have missing teeth.
Social isolation and loneliness recently have been major public health concerns worldwide, which can develop into mental health disorders, cardiac disease and cognitive decline.
The lead author of the research, Xiang Qi, studied the relationship between social isolation, loneliness and tooth loss.
The data used analysed and surveyed data from 4,268 adults aged 65+.
Researchers discovered that higher levels of social isolation were connected to people who had either few teeth or were losing teeth.
The older adults who were socially isolated have 2.1 fewer natural teeth and 1.4 times the rate of losing their teeth.
The study showed that the older adults with missing teeth tended to be less engaged in social or health-promoting behaviours like physical activity, thus affecting their overall general and mental health.
“Socially isolated older adults tend to be less engaged in social and health-promoting behaviours like physical activity, which could have a negative impact on their overall functioning and oral hygiene, as well as increase their risk for systemic inflammation,” said Wu. “This functional impairment seems to be a major pathway linking social isolation to tooth loss.”
The findings are published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology.
Dissatisfaction with dental appearance is a strong indicator of low self-esteem.
Dental disorders like traumatic tooth loss have a profound impact on aesthetics and psychosocial behaviour that affects self-esteem.
Not only does your smile affect how you feel about yourself, but how other people respond, think and behave around you too.
For example, it’s proven that a friendly, healthy smile makes people appear confident and allows others to feel more comfortable and warmer around you too.
Learn more about the other consequences of missing teeth here.
As restorative experts, we would encourage patients to explore dental implants as a priority in the case of missing teeth.
Tooth implants not only restore your tooth’s look and function, but they improve oral health and prevent critical bone loss in the jaw.
Implants are a long-lasting, permanent solution to close gaps in the mouth for good. Our implant clinic has a 98.3% success rate on our implantations, and our patients have commented that their quality of life has improved dramatically.
Read some of our reviews to discover exactly how yourself:
The Gentle Dental is an implant practice based in East Molesey.
Every day we see the impacts that missing teeth have on our patients, and we see how relieved they are once their final restoration has been made.
As implant experts, we offer various implant solutions that suit multiple budgets and types of tooth loss.
For patients not wishing to explore implant options, we also have various non-implant solutions available, too – but it all starts with a consultation to see what the best outcome will be for you.
“It feels like an absolute blessing to be able to chew food again ‘properly’. I am so thankful…
Fantastic Dentist, I haven't stopped recommending their care, skill and professionalism. The opening times and appointment availability is…
Dr Ali and his team created a Hollywood smile for me. I am absolutely thrilled. I had horrid…
I have been a patient of Dr Ali Rifai at The Gentle Dental Practice for a while now…
I am completely delighted with the results of my Invisalign treatment. Thank you so much Ali for all…
Dr Rifai and his staff have been looking after my mother for several years, she's in her 90s…
I had a tooth filling with Ali at The Gentle Dental Practice recently. The finished filling is amazing…
I have recently been coming here to have work on my teeth and I’ve enjoyed every moment of…
What an amazing dental practice. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Dr Ali is great and understanding. I…
Ali is an excellent dentist. He also cares very much for patient well being. Ali also went beyond…
Did a great job of straightening my teeth with invisalign treatment!
Amazing service! You can have a crown made whilst you wait, and no more horrible moulds!! Highly recommend…
I visited The practice for the first time yesterday and had emergency dental treatment. Ali was absolutely brilliant…
I am delighted to be able to offer my thoughts regarding the dental work offered by Dr Rifai.…
WhatsApp us