By 2030, it is projected that 15% of the Malaysian population will be aged 60 or above. And one factor that could contribute to accelerated physical and biological ageing is premature tooth loss.
While chronological age is determined by one’s year of birth, biological age reflects the cumulative impact of both positive and negative factors that affect an individual’s susceptibility to diseases.
Recent research has indicated a strong connection between early tooth loss, particularly when attributed to severe gum disease, and an acceleration in the ageing process.
Despite manifesting as localised inflammation within the mouth, gum disease has a significant influence on overall health. The unresolved inflammation that circulates throughout the body results in the accumulation of senescent cells (those relating to, characterised by, or associated with the state of being old), stem-cell depletion, and an accelerated ageing of the immune system, also known as immuno-ageing.
This, in turn, leads to the exacerbation of other health issues, especially when coupled with unhealthy lifestyle factors such as stress and smoking.
To back this up, a Japanese study showed that individuals with more than 20 natural teeth exhibited superior cognitive function compared with their counterparts who had 19 teeth or fewer.
Similarly, Chinese research seeking to explore the connection between tooth loss and cardiovascular disease and stroke revealed that for every two teeth lost, there is a 3% higher risk of heart disease.
Moreover, a study from Southern Medical University in China, published in June, indicated that moderate to severe periodontitis could magnify the correlation between biological ageing and all-cause mortality in middle-aged and older adults.
The researchers thus underscored the importance of maintaining and enhancing gum health to decelerate the ageing process and extend lifespan.
There are several consequences of tooth loss, including loss of support in the cheeks. Dentures or dental implants may restore fullness of the cheeks and lips, albeit not entirely.
Individuals who cannot afford these replacement options may experience compromised eating ability and impaired digestion. The resultant nutritional imbalance can eventually jeopardise one’s overall health.
Furthermore, the loss of multiple teeth not only alters oral anatomy but results in diminished chewing function. Those who are affected tend to avoid hard-to-chew foods, leading to reduced muscular activity during mastication, muscle atrophy, and further deterioration in chewing ability.
Additionally, ageing is associated with a generalised loss of muscle mass and function. This increases the risk of choking among the elderly, owing to the decline in muscle mass when swallowing.
In short, routine professional hygiene care is indispensable for the maintenance of healthy teeth, and can help enhance chewing muscle mass and function in older individuals.
Hopefully these points highlight the need to preserve oral health. So don’t wait to start looking after your gums and teeth: brush at least twice daily, floss regularly, and visit your dentist every six months.
This article was written by Dr Cheah Chia Wei, senior lecturer and consultant periodontist at the Faculty of Dentistry at Universiti Malaya.