Losing a tooth is one organic deficiency, which becomes a disabled when chewing the food properly prevented.
"To have a good chewing function, WHO believes that we must keep at least 20 natural teeth of the 28 or 32, including the third molars or wisdom teeth," says Alejandra Moreno Gloria Altamirano, researcher at the Department of Public Health Faculty of Medicine (FM) of the UNAM.
The ability chewing increases blood flow, stimulates brain neuronal activity and increases salivary flow, essential for oral health. Losing a tooth is one organic deficiency, which becomes a disabled when chewing the food properly prevented.
"To be 'toothless' can become a handicap resulting in social isolation because, by grief, some people no longer live or go to parties, prefer to eat alone because they have to grind or chop your dishes, or remove your dentures for food" , Moreno said Altamirano.
Women lose more teeth
By studying the diet of people with disabilities by chewing dental mortality, the researcher found that, regardless of economic status, there is less variety of foods containing protein. "My first stop is the meat, and replaced by soft raw foods, many of them rich in carbohydrates, or do not meet the nutritional content of a proper diet," explains the researcher.
Women lose parts before, and in greater numbers than men, because they are the first permanent teeth.
Although mortality in adult dental caries and periodontal disease does not respect economic status, age, or sex, its incidence is differentiated. Adults with low socioeconomic status, are at nearly three times higher risk of having fewer than 20 natural teeth that adults with an average level. In addition, individuals over age 50 are at seven times greater risk of suffering tooth loss that children of that age. Regarding gender, women lose parts before, and in greater numbers than men.
A study conducted by Moreno infants Altamirano said that the difference is that girls have more cavities than children, because they are the first permanent teeth. "It is also likely that women who attend the dentist more often than men, but do not have the resources to dental treatment, the only option is the removal," he said.
In their research, the university also found that people who feel dry mouth have, on average, fewer teeth (16) than those who do not experience that feeling (21). "This is a vicious circle: the less pieces, chewing is poorer, less stimulation of the salivary glands and, therefore, less saliva (hyposalivation) and dry mouth, if there is not enough saliva, the oral environment acid is more conducive to the start cariar remaining teeth, "explains the expert.
These factors also prevent properly integrate the bolus for easy swallowing, eating meat, for example, it becomes pasty. Studies conducted with elderly IMSS and the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition, found that denture wearers have trouble chewing because 80 percent of these prostheses are incorrect.
Show the effects of tooth loss
According to a questionnaire prepared by the university to assess chewing ability and its impact on quality of life, people with this type of prosthesis have unfavorable percentages. "We hope the chewing ability questionnaire is used in health sector facilities to detect oral problems and refer patients to dental service" she said.
Soon, this research will initiate a study on oral health policy in Mexico, to know what is in that sector at prevention and treatment, because although it has no general policy to remove parts, typically offered treatments for incipient caries and fillings but no root canals or inlays.
"The loss due to caries or periodontal disease can be prevented with campaigns that not only recommend dental hygiene, but also shows the impact on chewing ability, and the need to preserve the teeth to prevent disease," concluded Moreno Altamirano. (With information from unam.mx)
Source: http://www.e-consulta.com/magazine/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=261&Itemid=30