People fear loss of one to several teeth because of its unpleasant effect on their appearance. Younger people can become a subject of taunts, but as they age, such a dental imperfection is rarely given a second glance. Nevertheless, there is a more important reason why an individual should maintain good dental and oral health. Several studies have shown a link between edentulism and memory impairment that signifies the onset of dementia.
According to a LiveScience.com article, studies done on rats whose teeth were removed showed that teeth loss can result to problems in their spatial memory. They performed poorly in a maze test compared to rats whose teeth weren’t removed. The edentulous rats showed higher neuronal loss too and more damage to the hippocampus, a part of the brain with a role in memory formation.
In a 12-year study conducted by the University Of Kentucky on 144 nuns aged 75-98 of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, it was found that nuns with 0-9 teeth were more at risk of dementia than the ones who had more than ten teeth. Another study published in the Psychosomatic Medicine journal showed that of the 4,000 elderly adults in Japan, those who had few teeth, did not have regular dental visits, and did not wear dentures were likely to develop dementia than the participants who maintained good dental health.
Although more studies are needed to make the findings conclusive, some experts believe that the memory problems were due to impaired chewing functions. Chewing strengthens the sensory input on the body, which is vital for brain alertness. As per Psychology Today, chewing gums, for instance, helps speed up reaction time and the grasping of new information. People who lose teeth and chew less as a consequence, therefore, are likely to experience the opposite.
Fortunately, people in Pennsylvania have access to an effective dental restoration solution—dental implants. This is an artificial root surgically placed in the jaw bone and gum area. It’s made of a metal that biochemically connects to the jaw bone. After complete adhesion, the dentist then attaches a dental crown which resembles a genuine tooth. Dental implants are one of the best restorations since they function and are maintained just like real teeth. Dental implants in Bala Cynwyd, Philadelphia, or other nearby areas are offered by experienced practitioners like Dr. Anthony Farole, D.M.D.
Despite their advantages, not everybody, however, can be a good candidate for dental implants in Philadelphia or elsewhere in PA. Optimal gum condition is a requisite for a higher implant success rate. People who have certain gum issues or habits like smoking that impair the gum’s ability to support the implant may be offered other alternatives.
Take the Next Step
Want to learn if a Dental Implants is right for you? Schedule a consultation at Dr. Farole’s Facial Cosmetic Surgery Center in Bala Cynwyd, PA by giving us a call at (610) 668-3300 today.
Sources:
Gum Chewing is Good for the Brain, Psychology Today
All teeth pulled, affecting memory?, Memory Improvement Tips
