Impact of tooth loss on total health of seniors

In the past, the loss of teeth was dismissed as a natural part of the aging process in the Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe and Solana Beach community area, and dentures were considered a normal sign of old age. While such ignorance is rapidly becoming a thing of the past, there is still not a general awareness of the seriousness of edentulism.

Multiple tooth loss is most commonly caused by periodontal disease, i.e. gum and bone disease. Periodontal disease has a high statistical correlation with chronic debilitating disease, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

So, it is not very surprising that studies now show a shortened life expectancy by as much as 10 years for persons nationally, and in the Del Mar area, who have lost their natural teeth, when compared to those who have kept their teeth.