Mental Health Issues Related to the Loss of Teeth

Depression and isolation

• Studies show, those missing teeth are at higher risk for depression.
• Many people are too embarrassed to smile or eat in public
• Feelings of depression and embarrassment lead to people isolating themselves from the outside world.

Anxiety

• People missing teeth have higher levels of anxiety.
• This anxiety is usually related to feelings of insecurity and feeling judged by their appearance.

Lower Levels of Self Confidence

• Because tooth loss leads to premature aging and insecurities, it is easy to see why people lose their confidence.
• Lower self confidence is linked with lower performance levels in work as well to negative consequences in people’s love lives.

Tooth loss causes negative physical changes and functionality problems.

Tooth loss leads to changes in the facial structure

• Tooth loss increases the risk of losing more teeth.
• Bone loss occurs rapidly after the loss of a tooth
• Tooth and bone loss create a snow ball effect speeding up the resorption of the jaw and the loss of more teeth, which leads to premature aging.

Problems in Speech

• The more teeth that are lost the more difficult it becomes to make certain sounds.
• Denture patients have more sever problems in speech, which can be embarrassing and frustrating.

Inability to Chew Certain Foods

• Missing just one tooth makes it more difficult to chew foods and avoiding that area puts more force on other teeth and can be painful.
• As you lose more and more teeth and your jawbone resorbs, foods like steak and vegetables are no longer an option.
• Some denture wearers have the same chewing forces as an infant, which means only liquid and puree food choices.

People with tooth loss or gum disease have an increased risk of disease and early death.

Diseases and health issues linked with tooth loss:

When we have problems with the health of our mouth and teeth, this can be an indicator of more severe internal health issues.

• Cardiovascular or Heart Disease
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Dementia
• Kidney disease
• Certain types of cancer including Oral, pancreatic, lung. Upper gastrointestinal and breast cancers are more likely with gum disease and tooth loss are present.

Heightened Risk of Early Death

• Studies show that people with less than 22 teeth live 10 years less on average
• With a limited diet and so many health issues created by tooth loss, it is easy to see why early death is common for those without teeth.