A fascinating new study from Statistics Canada, published in October, has unveiled a stark new correlation that should grab the attention of every Midtown Toronto resident.
The research, entitled Missing teeth, mortality, and hospitalization: A population-based cohort analysis, reveals that if you have five or more missing teeth, your risk of all-cause hospitalization jumps by a staggering 76 percent. Even more concerning is that the risk for life-threatening, circulatory-related hospitalizations, such as heart disease and stroke, skyrockets by 120 percent.
This report underlines for Midtown Toronto residents that oral health is not just about chewing ability and bright smiles. In fact, maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a critical investment in your overall well-being.
How was this Groundbreaking Canadian Research Conducted?
These findings were based on following over 3,400 Canadians aged 20 to 79 for an average of 11 years, utilizing data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and linking it to death and hospital discharge records.
It is the first Canadian national-level data on tooth loss and hospitalization, and it used a methodology that relied on direct clinical assessments of participants’ tooth counts rather than self-reported data, which may skew the results.
The Shocking Statistics: What Researchers Discovered
The study’s central findings, even after adjusting for key risk factors such as age, sex, smoking status, and diabetes, show a dramatic and clear relationship between the extent of tooth loss and the risk of hospitalization.
Here are the report’s key findings:
Hospitalization Risk Increases Dramatically with Missing Teeth
With hospitalization risks ranging between 76 and 120 percent for people with five or more missing teeth, the need for dental care planning has never been more obvious.
This is especially true for people who live and work in fast-paced communities such as Yonge and Eglinton in Midtown Toronto, where time and efficiency are highly valued, sometimes at the expense of optimal self-care.
However, it is now evident that oral health is paramount for protecting your overall well-being. Busy lifestyle or not, there can be no compromises.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health
The findings also support the belief that oral disease affects the whole body. Several interconnected biological mechanisms can explain the link between missing teeth and increased hospitalization risk:
- Systemic inflammation: Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is a common cause of tooth loss that can trigger chronic, low-grade inflammation. This condition increases the body’s overall inflammatory burden and is known to contribute to the development and progression of chronic systemic diseases, including cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis.
- Bacterial invasion: The bacteria from untreated gum disease can periodically enter the bloodstream, where they can contribute to inflammation in blood vessels. There is a high risk that this inflammation will affect the heart and lungs, leading to circulatory and respiratory complications that may require hospitalization.
- Nutritional impacts: Missing teeth can impair your ability to chew and digest food properly, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies. This can impair your overall health and result in hospital stays.
In essence, a missing tooth is now viewed as a cumulative indicator of a progressive decline in overall health.
Why Tooth Loss Happens
Tooth loss is not an inevitable part of aging, especially in Midtown Toronto, where excellent dental care is available. Losing teeth is primarily the result of preventable, chronic oral diseases.
Most instances of tooth loss stem from two primary sources:
Cavities: Cavities are a direct result of tooth decay. If left untreated, decay can destroy so much of the tooth structure that the entire tooth must be extracted.
Gum disease: This is often the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. This chronic infection affects the gums and the underlying bone that supports the teeth. As the disease advances, the supporting bone is lost, leading to loose teeth that eventually require removal.
While trauma and other factors can also cause tooth loss, the vast majority of cases are a consequence of untreated, long-term dental and periodontal disease.
What to Do If You Already Have Missing Teeth
You do not need to have five missing teeth to be concerned with the report’s findings. Even one missing tooth may increase the risk of developing other critical health conditions.
This underscores the importance of treating the condition that caused the lost tooth. Since gums help hold out teeth in place, any underlying gum disease must be solved immediately to give the rest of your teeth a solid foundation on which they can stay in place.
Additionally, missing teeth should be replaced through restorative dentistry, such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures. These devices will restore proper chewing function and help prevent further bone loss and shifting that can compromise adjacent teeth.
How to Prevent Tooth Loss
The good news is that you are in control of your oral health and can help avoid issues with a few preventative measures.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Schedule professional dental cleanings and checkups at the frequency recommended by your health professionals. Regular checkups help detect and treat early signs of cavities and gum disease before they escalate to tooth loss.
Diligent At-Home Oral Care
Commit to a rigorous daily routine of brushing twice per day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride, and flossing once per day. This is the only way to manage the bacterial plaque that causes both primary forms of tooth loss.
Seek Early Intervention for Gum Disease
If you notice bleeding or tender gums, seek help right away. Professional periodontal care can halt the progression of gum disease, preserving your natural teeth and reducing systemic inflammation linked to hospitalization risk.
At Yonge Eglinton Dental, we understand the correlation between oral health and overall well-being, and are ready to help you enjoy a strong, healthy smile that supports long-term health.
Call us today to make an appointment. We are here to help!
Reduce the Risk of Hospitalization with Help from our Dentists at Yonge and Eglinton
Contact Yonge Eglinton Dental when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Are you concerned about visiting the dentist? Read about how we protect the health and safety of our patients and staff so your family can seek proper dental care with peace of mind.
FAQs on How Missing Teeth Can Increase the Risk of Hospitalization
If I already have missing teeth, am I destined for health problems?
Not necessarily. Missing teeth may indicate underlying health issues or poor oral hygiene, both of which can be addressed with professional dental intervention.
How does tooth loss actually lead to hospitalization?
Several mechanisms are at play: periodontal (gum) disease causes systemic inflammation that affects your entire cardiovascular and respiratory systems; missing teeth can impair nutrition and chewing ability, weakening your immune system; and poor oral health may indicate or contribute to chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
At what point should I be concerned about my missing teeth?
Statistics Canada research showed a significantly increased risk of hospitalization with five or more missing teeth, but any tooth loss warrants attention from your dentist to prevent further tooth loss.
Can replacing missing teeth with dental implants reduce my risk of hospitalization?
Replacing missing teeth and treating underlying causes (such as periodontal disease) address root health issues. Dental implants restore proper nutrition and chewing function, and treating gum disease reduces systemic inflammation.
