Did you know that the state of your oral health can affect the rest of your body? If you think about it, this makes sense – after all, your mouth is the primary gateway for incoming food, nutrients, and bacteria. Most of what’s in your mouth will eventually be metabolized by your stomach and put to work by your blood cells.
With that in mind, do you think it’s possible for dental implants, the most health-promoting restoration to date, to help you live longer? Research indicates that the answer is yes! Keep reading for all the juicy details.
The Big Picture Statistics
Overall, studies show that those with significant tooth loss are more likely to develop conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, which can shorten an individual’s lifespan. In contrast, those with a full smile at age 74 are significantly more likely to reach the big 100. Just by filling dental gaps with a quality restoration like dental implants, you could enjoy a longer life – and get more out of it, too!
Dental Implants Make Oral Hygiene Easier
Another advantage to dental implants is that they make it much easier to clean your mouth. Some tooth replacements involve special maintenance or require special cleaning solutions, but dental implants can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth. This helps reduce the harmful bacteria content in your mouth, thereby limiting your body’s exposure to potential illnesses.
Gum disease is one such illness, but it’s important to note that even an oral condition can be spread to other parts of the body through circulation. It’s all connected, so don’t neglect your pearly whites.
Digestion is Empowered and Nutrition is Improved
One of the most appealing benefits of dental implants is their superior bite force, which enables patients to eat pretty much anything they want. Crunchy vegetables, tough meats, and hard fruits all become available, so dental implant patients tend to enjoy a more balanced diet.
Good nutrition is hugely important for overall health and wellness – and your lifespan. But so is being able to absorb those nutrients and effectively distribute them throughout the body. Since dental implants are powerful and fixed firmly in place, they drastically increase chewing efficiency, which in turn helps your stomach process more nutrients. So not only do they make it easier to get essential nutrients, but also to put those vitamins and minerals to good use!
Talk to Your Dentist
The connection between your oral health, general health, and life expectancy isn’t always straightforward. However, research is making it more and more clear that overall wellness is key to living long and prospering. If you want to know more about how dental implants could benefit you, don’t forget to give your dentist a call!
About the Practice
Dr. Jason Herres and Dr. Vincent Votilla are highly experienced dentists with impressive credentials. Each are dedicated to continuing education and keep up with the latest dental techniques so they can provide their patients with the best care possible. Dental implant placement is just one of the many treatments they’re skilled with! If you’re interested in this tooth replacement option and would like to know more, contact Dr. Herres and Dr. Votilla’s office at 717-569-3911.