Missing tooth solutions for seniors

Missing tooth solutions for seniors

by | Oct 14, 2023 | Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Treatment, Oral Conditions and Issues, Oral Health Senior

As we get older, we begin to deeply appreciate that maintaining our oral health is crucial to our enjoyment of everyday life. Tooth loss demoralise us in our efforts, no matter whether it is the result of tooth decay, gum disease or dental trauma. In severe cases, a tooth may require extraction if it can’t be repaired through dental fillings, crowns or other restorations. However, losing a tooth does not need to have a negative impact on life. What you do about it makes all the difference.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the effects of missing teeth and the common tooth replacement options for seniors.

Australian seniors are missing over 13 teeth on average

In 2017–2018, adults aged 65 and over had an average of 13.7 missing teeth. Additionally, the percentage of adults with complete tooth loss rose with age, from 8.1% in the 55–74 age group to 21% among those aged 75 and over. (National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017-2018)

What are the effects of missing teeth?

The impact of missing teeth goes beyond just the physical appearance of your smile. Here are some of the many adverse primary effects of missing teeth:

Chewing and digestion problems:

Missing teeth can make it difficult to properly chew food, resulting in improper digestion. Poorly chewed food can strain the digestive system and reduce nutrient absorption, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies.

Speech impairments:

Teeth play a crucial role in the formation of speech sounds and words. The absence of teeth, particularly the front teeth, can alter speech patterns, resulting in difficulties with pronunciation and communication.

Altered facial appearance:

Your teeth provide facial structure. When teeth are missing, the jawbone may begin to deteriorate, causing facial shape changes and a sunken appearance.

Bone loss:

The roots of your teeth stimulate the jawbone, preserving its strength and density. When teeth are missing, this stimulation decreases, resulting in gradual bone loss. This can affect your facial structure and make future dental implant placement more difficult.

Adjacent teeth shifting:

When a tooth is missing, the teeth next to it may start to shift or tilt into the empty space. This can lead to misalignment, bite problems and difficulty correctly cleaning the teeth.

Gum and periodontal issues:

Due to exposed areas where teeth are missing, the gums can become more susceptible to irritation and infection. These areas are particularly prone to developing gum disease and periodontal problems.

Self-esteem and confidence:

Missing teeth can result in self-consciousness, lowering your confidence and self-esteem. You may feel awkward when you smile or interact with others.

Joint and bite issues:

Missing teeth can change the proper alignment of your bite, causing problems like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, headaches and jaw pain.

Oral health complications:

Untreated missing teeth can result in a progression of oral health issues, including gum disease, tooth decay and additional tooth loss. It can lead to a deteriorating state of oral health.

Missing tooth solutions for seniors

Increased risk of tooth decay:

The presence of gaps between teeth may trap food particles and make cleaning more difficult. This increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities in neighbouring teeth.

Limited food choices:

Certain foods, especially those that require significant chewing, may be difficult to consume if you have missing teeth. This may result in a diet with less variety and possible nutritional deficiencies.

Aesthetic concerns:

While this is generally the most visible effect, the appearance of missing teeth can have an impact on your self-image and how others view you.

It is essential to replace missing teeth to prevent future dental problems and preserve oral health, overall well-being and quality of life.

What are the solutions for missing teeth?

Dentures

Traditional removable option

Dentures have been a popular option for seniors with missing teeth for decades. There are two types of removable replacements: full dentures for those with complete tooth loss and partial dentures for those missing only a few teeth. The advancements in dentistry have resulted in dentures that are more functional and aesthetically pleasing, as well as more comfortable and lifelike.

Missing tooth solutions for seniors

Dental bridges

Bridging the gap

Seniors often utilise dental bridges as a fixed solution when they are missing one or more adjacent teeth. These artificial teeth are attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges restore proper chewing function and preserve the alignment of the surrounding teeth.

Implant-supported dentures

Enhanced stability

Implant-supported dentures are the optimal solution for seniors desiring the benefits of both dentures and dental implants. These dentures are attached securely to dental implants, ensuring their stability while eating and speaking. This option combines the convenience of dentures with the durability of implants.

Dental Implants

Long-lasting restoration

Dental implants can provide permanent natural-looking replacements for missing teeth. These titanium posts are surgically implanted into the jawbone to serve as a stable foundation for prosthetic teeth. Dental implants restore chewing function and stimulate the jawbone to prevent bone loss over time, which increases in importance as we age.

Bone augmentation

Strengthening the foundation

Some seniors may experience bone loss in the jaw due to missing teeth over time. Bone augmentation, also known as bone grafting, is a procedure that enhances the density of the jawbone. This procedure creates a solid base for dental implants and ensures their long-term success.

Regular dental check-ups

Prevention and maintenance

Prevention is essential for maintaining oral health, particularly for seniors. Regular dental check-ups allow for early detection of potential problems and provide the opportunity to discuss tooth replacement options with your dentist. Your dentist can assist in customising a treatment plan to your specific requirements and desires.

Missing tooth solutions for seniors

Regain your smile, comfort and functionality

Small investments in oral health typically provide massive returns in quality of life. Modern solutions for missing teeth offer a range of options for restoring oral function, appearance and overall well-being. Whether you opt for dental implants, dentures, bridges or a combination of treatments, consulting your dentist is the first step in achieving a more confident smile that lasts throughout your senior years.

The oral bacteria that destroy your brain’s nerve cells

The oral bacteria that destroy your brain’s nerve cells

by | Jun 26, 2019 | Diagnosis, News and Research, Oral Health Senior, Oral Hygiene Care, Oral Links to General Health, Oral Pathogen & Microbiome, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

Oral Bacteria

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Oral Bacteria

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The oral bacteria that destroy your brain’s nerve cells

According to a recently published study conducted by the University of Bergen, Norway, certain oral bacteria play a “decisive” role in the development of Alzheimer’s in an individual.

In a news statement released on June 3, 2019, lead researcher Piotr Mydel stated that his team had discovered clear DNA-based proof that gingivitis-causing bacteria can move independently from the oral cavity to brain tissue. The bacteria travel via the close network of blood vessels and nerve fibres that connect the two areas of the head.

Once the oral bacteria are in the brain, they excrete protein and enzyme by-products that can go on to destroy the brain’s nerve cells. When nerve cells of the brain die, the result can be memory loss – and potentially Alzheimer’s.
While there are multi-factor causes of Alzheimer’s, Mydel believes that the presence of these bacteria in the brain significantly heightens your risk of developing the disease and can speed up its progress.

Eliminate P.gingavalis from your body

oral pathogen test

With clinical evidence mounting, it’s inevitable that P.gingavalis will make it onto the high risk factors list for Alzheimer’s in the future. However, you wouldn’t want this dangerous pathogen to silently wreak havoc in your brain and other parts of your body – at anytime.

While the Norwegian researchers have focused on developing drugs that block the harmful by-products of P.gingavalis, it’s a far better strategy to prevent these bacteria from entering your brain in the first place. The best way to achieve this goal is to maintain a proper oral health care and hygiene routine along with regular dental checkups.

P.Gingavalis – the creepy crawler in the brain

The oral bacteria in question have been identified by the Norwegian research team to Porphyromonas gingivalis – or P.Gingavalis for short. This oral bacterium is one of the main culprits responsible for gum disease, and has been linked to a number of general health conditions, including diabetes, strokes, oral cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Norwegian study backed up the findings of a similar UK study published in 2014. In this study, English researchers concluded that the same bacteria species and its by-products were responsible for a repeated immune response that caused the death of brain neurons, as well as nerve cells.

But how can you be sure? It’s easy. To identify and eliminate P.gingavalis & co from your body, all it takes is a simple saliva test right here at Leeming Dental. In fact, we are the ONLY providers of Oral DNA testing in West Australia.

Once we submit your sample, it is tested and an Oral DNA test lab report lists all pathogenic bacteria detected in your saliva. With this crucial information, we are able to customise a 100% effective antibiotic treatment that will eliminate the harmful bacteria present in your body.

Take your oral DNA test at Leeming Dental

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call our friendly, helpful reception at Leeming Dental on 08 9310 3367. In the meantime, brush and floss your teeth daily!

References:

Stephen S. Dominy, Casey Lynch, Florian Ermini, Malgorzata Benedyk, Agata Marczyk, Andrei Konradi, Mai Nguyen, Ursula Haditsch, Debasish Raha, Christina Griffin, Leslie J. Holsinger, Shirin Arastu-Kapur, Samer Kaba, Alexander Lee, Mark I. Ryder, Barbara Potempa, Piotr Mydel, Annelie Hellvard, Karina Adamowicz, Hatice Hasturk, Glenn D. Walker, Eric C. Reynolds, Richard L. M. Faull, Maurice A. Curtis, Mike Dragunow, Jan Potempa. Porphyromonas gingivalis in Alzheimer’s disease brains: Evidence for disease causation and treatment with small-molecule inhibitors. Science Advances, 2019; 5 (1): eaau3333 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau3333

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Can oral bacteria cause Alzheimer’s disease?

Can oral bacteria cause Alzheimer’s disease?

by | Feb 22, 2019 | Diagnosis, Gum disease, News and Research, Oral Health Senior, Oral Links to General Health, Oral Pathogen & Microbiome, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

Can oral bacteria cause Alzheimer’s disease?

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Can oral bacteria cause Alzheimer’s disease?

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Find out what the UK researchers are saying

If you have poor oral hygiene, you are at a higher risk of a number of oral health issues such as plaque, tartar, tooth decay, cavities and chronic gum disease (periodontal disease). Inadequate oral hygiene opens the door to potentially hundreds of pathogenic oral bacteria to your teeth and gums.

Other health consequences

Oral health issues may be only one of the consequences of allowing pathogenic oral bacteria to develop in your oral cavity. A number of clinical studies in recent years have established links between certain species of oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease.

These oral bacteria have the ability to migrate and colonise your brain tissue. The three main culprits identified so far are Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia. Check them out (in order).

These nasty little critters can infiltrate and infect your gums and even your jawbone – like termites in wood. Additionally, these bacteria can travel around your body and enter your brain on a regular basis.

How might oral bacteria trigger the onset of Alzheimer’s?

More studies need to be conducted to find a causative link between the suspect bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the UK researchers are working with the theory that if the brain is exposed repeatedly to these oral bacteria and their by-products, the subsequent immune response may result in death of neurons in the brain area associated with memory, as well as nerve cell death.

Only Alzheimer’s patients had the oral bacteria present in their brains

When the UK scientists tested non-Alzheimer’s patients for the bacteria, they discovered that none had the suspect bacteria present in their brain tissue, whereas all of the patients with Alzheimer’s disease did.

How can pathogenic oral bacteria be identified & eliminated from your body?

At present, the diagnosis and treatment of pathogenic oral bacteria can only be performed via an oral bacteria DNA test and anti-biotic treatment. Root planing, a dental treatment used to deep clean between the teeth and gums, is a treatment method that can only remove the plaque and calculus in those areas.

oral pathogen test for oral bacteria

Oral bacteria that can crawl their way into your brain

In 2014, UK scientists were first able to identify the presence of the three oral bacteria (listed above) in the brain tissue of living Alzheimer’s patients. The researchers established that at least two of the bacteria – once firmly established in the oral cavity – had the ability and versatility to enter the brain via two different pathways.

The first pathway was via the bloodstream where they could attach to red blood cells, and travel directly into the brain – where they get off because there are no immune checkpoints. What this means for patients with bleeding gums, is that every time they brush their teeth or eat food, a fresh influx of bacteria can enter the bloodstream and reach the brain in a matter of seconds.

The second pathway came as a surprise to the UK researchers. Since the bacteria are motile (capable of motion), they were able to “crawl” their way to the brain via the nerves that connect tooth roots to the brain – a short distance of a several centimetres.

References:

Singhrao, S. K., Harding, A., Poole, S., Kesavalu, L., & Crean, S. (2015). Porphyromonas gingivalis Periodontal Infection and Its Putative Links with Alzheimer’s Disease. Mediators of inflammation, 2015, 137357.

Poole, S., Singhrao, S. K., & Crean, S. J. (2014). Emerging evidence for associations between periodontitis and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Faculty Dental Journal, 5(1), 38-42. doi:10.1308/204268514×13859766312719

Treatment solutions

dental patient for teeth whitening
Dental Veneers
Emergency Dental
woman holding invisalign
Invisalign
beautiful woman with dental veneers
Teeth Whitening
root canal
Root Canal
Dental Implants
Crowns & Bridges
Wisdom Teeth