Factors like old age, poor hygiene, and disease are typically associated with tooth loss. Even socio-economic standing has a lot to do with the quality of dental care. For instance, studies show that half of the children and two-thirds of the adolescents in the U.S. from lower-income families had tooth decay, which reveals that lack of access to basic dental care is a major cause of tooth loss.
Interestingly, a recent West Virginia University establishes that psychosocial factors like dental anxiety and depression can lead one down the path of poor dental health. Whether depression or anxiety causes tooth loss or vice versa isn’t clear, but the association is nonetheless plausible. ScienceDaily.com provides a glimpse into what the correlation entails and how it affects individuals in various communities.
“Tooth loss from caries and periodontal disease is an outcome from complex, chronic conditions. Several biopsychosocial factors are involved, including accessing care. Individuals reporting dental anxiety may avoid dental care; and individuals with depression may be negligent in self-care. In this study, researchers examined a potential association of tooth loss with depression and anxiety.
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Survey is a complex, telephone survey of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health departments. In this study, the researchers used the BRFSS 2010 data (451,075 respondents). Analysis involved frequency, Chi square analysis, and complex survey logistic regression.”
Luckily, those who have lost the battle against tooth loss and have consequently shed some of their pearly whites can have durable false teeth or dentures constructed care of a reputable dental practice such as Dentures Done Right. These restorative devices come in removable and permanent varieties. The latter option, which entails dental implant surgery, commands a bigger expense yet provides a stronger and longer-lasting solution to tooth loss.
Quality dental partials or removable dentures, on the other hand, remain quite popular for obvious reasons. Aside from the minimal downtime involved, they are quite easy on the pocket. Removable dentures also make good options for those who prefer to steer clear of the risks associated with going under the knife. With such quality tooth replacement options within reach, one can look forward to a happier, productive life.
(Source: Tooth Loss Linked to Depression, Anxiety, ScienceDaily.com)