Tooth Loss in Older Adults Elevates the Risk of Physical and Mental Disability
Teeth do not only serve the role of chewing or breaking down food. Teeth have a role to play in promoting health and function in old age.
Key takeaways:
- The maintenance of good oral health is important for older adults to prevent disability and a host of other health problems.
- Older adults who had significant tooth loss were less functional when compared with people who lost fewer teeth.
- Older adults should receive the necessary support required to maintain good oral health self-care practices and to access adequate dental care.
Tooth loss is associated with future decline in higher-level functional capacity. IPW models suggest that treatment for tooth loss attenuates decline in higher-level functional capacity.
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http://neurosciencenews.com/aging-tooth-loss-mental-health-5042/