Teeth are important organs of the human body, which not only affect our aesthetics and chewing function, but also have a close relationship with our lifespan.
Do you know? The health of our teeth can reflect our physical condition and longevity. Doctor's tip: If you have these 3 conditions in your teeth, you should pay attention to them, otherwise it may affect your health and lifespan. February** Dynamic Incentive Program
Studies have shown that the quantity and quality of teeth are important factors affecting human lifespan. In general, people who have more and better quality teeth tend to live longer.
Conversely, people with fewer and lower quality teeth usually have a shorter lifespan. This association may be related to the impact of dental health on overall health status.
In a 2007 survey of hundreds of thousands of people in Europe, the researchers excluded all other factors of death, considering only the effect of the number of teeth on normal mortality.
The results showed that the mortality rate in edentulous conditions was as high as 70% in men and 30% in women. In contrast, when having more than 20 teeth, the mortality rate dropped significantly to 22% for men and 11% for women.
This result clearly shows that there is a significant positive correlation between the number of teeth and longevity. This association may be related to several factors:
1. Quantity and quality of teeth and chronic diseases
In modern medical research, the quantity and quality of teeth are considered to be important indicators for assessing an individual's health, especially in terms of oral health and general health.
Dental problems are not confined to the inside of the mouth, but can also be related to some chronic diseases, which in turn affect the overall quality of life and longevity.
The quantity and quality of teeth are often seen as a reflection of an individual's health. If a person has full and healthy teeth, it usually means that they have good oral hygiene habits and may also indicate good general health.
Conversely, missing or damaged teeth are often more than just oral problems, they can be linked to a variety of chronic diseases.
Studies have shown that tooth damage and loss are strongly associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.
The incidence of diabetes is higher in people with poor oral health, possibly because oral inflammation and infections can affect blood sugar control.
Similarly, people with severe periodontal disease are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, there is a link between tooth loss and osteoporosis, as both teeth and bones rely on calcium and other minerals to maintain their structure and function.
2. The influence of the quantity and quality of teeth on eating habits
Having a sufficient number and good quality of teeth is essential to maintain normal chewing function. Good chewing allows people to digest a variety of foods and thus take in essential nutrients.
Not only does chewing help physically destroy food and make it easier to digest, but it also promotes saliva production, which is important for the initial digestion of certain food components.
Conversely, people with insufficient number or poor quality teeth may face difficulty chewing, which often leads them to tend to choose soft, sweet, or sticky foods.
This change in eating habits not only limits the variety and nutritional diversity of foods, but can also lead to nutritional imbalances.
For example, excessive consumption of processed foods and foods high in sugar may lead to overnutrition, which can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
3. The relationship between nutritional intake and health and longevity
A balanced diet can provide the body with a variety of nutrients it needs, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, and essential fatty acids.
These nutrients are essential for supporting the normal function of the body, promoting cell and tissue repair, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Insufficient or unbalanced nutrient intake due to dental problems can lead to a range of health problems. Lack of adequate teeth and difficulty chewing can lead to indigestion, which in turn can affect the absorption and utilization of nutrients.
Long-term malnutrition weakens the body's immunity, increases the risk of disease, and may shorten life expectancy.
Good teeth not only help maintain a normal diet and nutrient intake, but also improve an individual's well-being and life satisfaction.
Dental problems can lead to difficulty eating, pain, and even chronic health problems, which can reduce quality of life.
People with poor dental condition may experience more negative emotions in their daily lives, such as anxiety and depression, which can further affect their overall well-being.
Many people may not realize that small problems with their teeth, such as tooth decay, dark spots, tartar, or stains, are actually warning signs of dental health.
These issues are not only about aesthetics, but more importantly, they can be indicative of serious health problems. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as pulpitis, periapical infections, and even maxillofacial infections.
1. Tooth decay, black spots, calculus or stains
Tooth decay, also known as tooth decay, is caused by bacteria in the mouth breaking down food residues and producing acids that corrode the teeth.
Whereas, black spots and stains are usually caused by reduced mineralization and pigmentation on the tooth surface. Calculus is an induration that occurs when plaque calcifies. These problems may not seem serious, but they are actually a precursor to oral health problems.
What's even more worrying is that behind these seemingly minor problems, there may be more serious health risks.
Tooth pain when exposed to heat or cold, pain that worsens at night, or discomfort when chewing food can be symptoms of tooth sensitivity or pulpitis. This indicates that the tooth has suffered some level of damage and needs to be done as soon as possible**.
Pulpitis is an inflammation of the pulp (the soft tissue inside the teeth) caused by a bacterial infection. If left unchecked**, the infection may spread around the root tip of the tooth, resulting in a periapical infection.
In worse cases, the infection may even spread to the maxillofacial area, causing serious health problems.
Fortunately, most of these problems can be prevented with good oral hygiene practices. Daily brushing and flossing are basic and effective measures to help remove food debris and plaque.
Regular dental check-ups can detect and address these early dental problems. In terms of diet, reducing the intake of sugar and acidic foods can also go a long way in preventing dental problems.
However, for teeth that are already in problem, prompt medical attention is key. Dentists can not only ** existing problems, but also provide professional preventive advice to help avoid future problems.
Depending on the severity of the problem, teeth can include a variety of modalities, such as fillings, root canals, and even dental implants.
2. Loosening and missing teeth
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation that primarily affects the supporting tissues around the teeth, including the gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament.
Its initial symptoms may not be significant, but if left unchecked**, it can progress to severe periodontitis, which can lead to loose or even lost teeth.
Loosening and missing teeth are usually a sign of late periodontal disease. At this stage, periodontal disease has destroyed the vital tissues that support the teeth, causing the teeth to lose their original stability.
The early signs of periodontal disease, such as bleeding gums, redness or bad breath, are often overlooked. These symptoms are manifestations of gingivitis or mild periodontitis and are caused by the accumulation of plaque and calculus.
It's important to note that periodontal disease is more than just an oral problem. A growing body of research has linked it to a variety of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.
Diabetic patients are more likely to suffer from periodontal disease, and the presence of periodontal disease may affect blood sugar control, creating a vicious cycle. Similarly, people with severe periodontal disease are more likely to have cardiovascular disease.
So, how to effectively prevent and ** periodontal disease? Good oral hygiene habits are key to preventing periodontal disease. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing between your teeth, and using an oral cleaning solution regularly.
Secondly, regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also crucial. Professional dentists can not only detect and improve periodontal disease in time, but also provide professional oral health care guidance.
In periodontal disease, the dentist will take different measures depending on the severity of the condition. Mild periodontal disease may only require professional scaling and oral hygiene instruction, while moderate to severe periodontal disease may require more complex**, such as periodontal surgery.
In some cases, your dentist may also recommend special medications or oral care products.
In addition to professional dentistry**, lifestyle improvements are essential for the prevention and** periodontal disease. This includes quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercising moderately.
These healthy lifestyles not only help maintain oral health, but they are also beneficial for overall health.
3. Oral cancer
Oral cancer is a serious form of cancer, and its early symptoms may include mouth sores, foul smell, or inexplicable swelling. These symptoms may seem ordinary, but they can be indicative of a life-threatening illness.
Canker sores are one of the most common symptoms, especially those that don't heal. In addition to this, bad breath and unexplained swelling can also be a sign of oral cancer.
These symptoms tend to go unnoticed as they can be confused with everyday minor problems. However, if these symptoms persist, then it is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible for a check-up.
The occurrence of oral cancer is associated with a variety of factors, the most important of which are tobacco and alcohol use. Long-term smoking and alcohol abuse have been shown to be major risk factors for oral cancer.
In addition, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is also closely associated with the occurrence of oral cancer. HPV is a common virus, and certain types of HPV infection are considered important factors in oral cancer.
Given the severity of oral cancer, early diagnosis and** is crucial. As soon as the above symptoms appear, especially if there is a history of smoking or alcohol use, you should seek professional medical help immediately.
Your doctor may perform an oral exam and, if necessary, a biopsy or other diagnostic tests to confirm oral cancer.
The number of oral cancers depends on the stage of the cancer and the overall health of the patient. Early-stage oral cancer may be caused by surgery to remove the diseased tissue**.
In more advanced cases, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of the two may be needed. These may be accompanied by certain *** such as dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, etc., but they are essential to control the development of the disease and improve the survival rate.