Age and Oral Health

Life expectancy in the United States has been on the rise for a decade.  In 2007, life expectancy in the United States reached a high of nearly 78 years according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  With Americans living longer, it is now more important than ever to take good care of your teeth.  Good oral health contributes to a good overall quality of life for senior Americans.

Brushing and flossing your teeth daily and getting regular dental check ups can help to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems that can lead to tooth loss.  However, despite regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene, tooth loss is a reality for many senior Americans.  According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004), approximately 24% of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have no remaining teeth.  For Americans 75 years of age or more, this number jumps to 31%.

Tooth loss significantly decreases the quality of life for senior Americans.  Problems associated with tooth loss can include compromised nutrition, social embarrassment, and more.  In the past, seniors had few options for replacing missing teeth.  Today, dental implants provide a permanent solution to tooth loss that enables seniors to once again eat the foods they love, and chew, laugh, smile, and talk with confidence.

Most patients are candidates for dental implants; there are very few medical reasons that rule patients out for this revolutionary procedure.  If you are searching for a permanent solution to missing teeth, contact an Oral Surgeon to see if you are a candidate for dental implants.