People lose permanent teeth for a variety of reasons; however, the effects are almost always the same. The vast majority of people experience a decrease in quality of life, thanks to embarrassment and difficulty chewing. Because they cannot enjoy the foods they once loved, many people experience frustration and depression. What’s more, according to research, people who’ve lost permanent teeth may also suffer from nutritional deficiencies caused by dietary limitations.
A Troubling Issue
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, numerous studies suggest that people who have lost teeth tend to eat qualitatively poorer diets. On its website, the NIDCR cites one study which indicates that tooth loss leads to impaired chewing; which, in turn, causes people to eat softer foods that have lower nutrient density and less fiber. The NIDCR also cites an additional study which shows that traditional dentures may not do enough to improve chewing function for most people.
A Full-body Impact
For many people, living without teeth means living without the delicious foods they used to enjoy. That said, research clearly shows that this problem may also lead to nutritional deficiencies that could promote health issues. According to the NIDCR, when people are forced to limit food choices based on their abilities to chew; quality of life suffers in more ways than one. For instance, it can be very difficult for people to eat fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, because the tough textures make chewing almost impossible.
Regaining Your Freedom
Living without teeth can make life less enjoyable, while also indirectly threatening your overall health. Fortunately, thanks to modern innovations in dentistry, you can improve your appearance and regain your chewing function with dental implants, a neuromuscular denture, or a combination the two. These modern miracles are ideal for anyone who has lost teeth, regardless of their age.
Don’t continue to suffer without teeth when you can easily regain the ability to eat whatever you want. Contact Beyond Exceptional Dentistry to learn how you can improve the quality of your life by getting dental implants.