This article discusses the shocking findings of a global health survey looking at the incidence and severity of gum disease and tooth decay.

It’s a shocking realization to come to, but a report published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Dental Research lead by Professor Wagner Marcenes of the University of London, has indicated that the number of people suffering from severe untreated tooth decay lies in the billions! In fact, this report states that more than half the world’s population is affected. Considering that population is approximately seven billion people, the estimated number of those with serious oral illness is around 3.9 billion!

“When you consider that even those with a decent education and economic background fail to look after their teeth properly and go for regular dental appointments, these statistics come as no surprise,” say New Jersey dental implant specialists. “Gum disease is a very real problem and one that is prevalent amongst North American society, not to mention the world.”

What is so strange is that so many people don’t seek treatment for conditions that not only lead to quite severe discomfort, but visibly wreck their smiles. To make the situation even stranger is the fact that gum disease, tooth decay and dental caries (cavities) are wholly preventable. With simple, good hygienic measures and regular dental appointments, you can keep your teeth and gums in excellent lifelong condition.

Then why does half the world’s population find this impossible to do?

Research Findings

The international research project carried out by Professor Marcenes was a part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010 study. His interest was concerned with understanding oral health and its connections with whole body health. This peer-reviewed study revealed that:

• Close to four billion people suffer from untreated oral ailments and conditions that could be causing severe toothache, discomfort and difficulty sleeping. We’re not even talking about surface cavities and mild gum infections that can be readily ignored. “What this indicates is that there is a critical lack of regard for the importance of good oral health and hygiene,” say NJ dental implants specialists.

• Of all the major illnesses and diseases considered by the GBD 2010 research study (291 in number), cavities or tooth decay of a patient’s adult teeth was found to be the most common. In fact, 35% of the world’s population struggles with the disability of having teeth that are riddled with decay – a condition that can be extremely painful and difficult to eat and sleep with.

• The study continued to reveal that there was an appreciable link between those who were at a moderate stroke or heart failure risk and rampant tooth loss and decay. “There is a very real connection between oral health and overall general health,” say dental implants specialists in New Jersey. “This connection is serious and potentially fatal.”

• Additionally, the oral health problems mentioned in the study were estimated to cause the loss of 224 life years for every 100,000 people considered! Who would have thought that neglecting to brush and floss could lead to a lower life expectancy!

“Unfortunately, the situation doesn’t seem to be getting any better, which is surprising considering our increased awareness of the importance of good oral health and hygiene,” comments NJ dental implants specialists.

Between 1990 and 2010, Professor Marcenes’ study found that the global incidence and severity of these oral ailments had increased by a substantial 20%. Furthermore, the average health issues being considered are no longer mild gum infection and surface cavities, but rather severe periodontitis (gum disease) and rampant tooth loss.

The Professor had this to say: "The findings of the GBD 2010 study highlighted that an urgent organized social response to oral health problems is needed. This must deal with a wide array of health care and public health priorities for action."

What you can do in the meantime is brush more thoroughly, more frequently and for longer; floss your teeth every day and give your dentist a call. It’s probably time you went for a check-up!

This article explains how, through the use of a more sophisticated teeth replacement solution, patients can benefit from a longer, healthier life.

We all know what removable dentures are and to some limited extent, the various challenges and disadvantages they come hand-in-hand with. But what is extremely shocking to learn is that opting for this archaic teeth replacement solution instead of something more sophisticated, such as All On Four dental implants, can actually shorten one’s life expectancy by 10 years! Let’s take a closer look at how this is possible.

The Challenges Involved in Wearing Removable Dentures

“The fact that wearing traditional denture can shorten life expectancy is no exaggeration,” say dental implant specialists in New Jersey. “One of the biggest problems facing the elderly who have worn dentures for many, many years is malnutrition and a lack of proper nutrition can cause serious health problems.”

Dentures are unattached or removable teeth replacement devices that rest on the gums. Because there’s nothing “anchoring” them in the mouth, they tend to move around when eating and speaking. The constant pressing down on and rubbing against the gums causes inflammation of the underlying soft tissue and the development of sores that aren't given much of a chance to heal in between meals. In fact, when asked, 50% of denture-wearers said they eat better and more comfortably without their false teeth!

“Many elderly people therefore remove their teeth as a quick solution to the discomfort they experience when eating,” explain New Jersey dental implant specialists. “However, without any teeth, they find their diets extremely restricted and therefore tend to only eat a very small amount and variety of food. This is what can lead to malnutrition and the associated health problems.”

How All On Four Dental Implants Can Change This

Unlike traditional removable dentures, All On Four dental implants function like tooth roots, which provides a stable and fixed platform upon which a custom bridge (complete set of artificial teeth) can be placed. Not only is this far more comfortable, but the strength with which a patient can bite down is much greater, enabling them to eat a greater variety of foods. In fact, most patients say that eating with All On Four dental implants is like eating with natural teeth. It’s comfortable and feels natural, which returns to them the joy of eating!

All On Four dental implant New Jersey also restore the function of the missing tooth roots, which is to keep the underlying jawbone stimulated and healthy. By helping to prevent the loss of bone volume caused by tooth loss, jawbone health and bite strength can be maintained, which enables patients to enjoy most of their favorite foods.

A Final Note

A healthy diet and adequate nutrition are vital for maintaining general health. Removable dentures simply cannot rival the benefits of All On Four dental implants in maintaining bite function, strength and jawbone health, which is why New Jersey dental implant specialists recommend them over traditional removable dentures time and again. If you have lost most or all of your natural teeth, or have been told that your dentition is failing due to gum disease, speak to your dentist about All On Four dental implants. They are a long term investment in your oral health and both your quality and length of life!