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October 30, 2022, United Daily News / Reporter Li Shuren
Who says aging inevitably leads to tooth loss? Doctors emphasize that with diligent care and thorough cleaning, many seniors can retain a full set of natural teeth. Research shows that those who still have healthy teeth by age 74 have a significantly higher chance of becoming centenarians. Conversely, losing five or more teeth before age 65 increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke.
To raise public awareness about oral health, the Taipei Dental Association hosted the "2022 All-Ages Dental Care Carnival" at Taipei's Linsen Park today. The event encouraged people of all ages to prioritize dental health through interactive activities designed to educate participants about oral care needs during different life stages: school-age, adulthood, and senior years.
"Oral health is closely linked to overall well-being," said Hsiao Yang-chin, chairman of the Taipei Dental Association. Having healthy teeth enhances chewing ability, nutrition intake, speech, and social interactions, serving as a cornerstone for quality of life. Studies confirm that periodontal disease patients face higher risks of endocarditis, myocarditis, atherosclerosis-related conditions (e.g., heart attack, stroke, osteoporosis), and other systemic diseases.
Tooth loss may even shorten lifespan! Japanese research found that seniors over 70 with at least 20 teeth had a 2.5% lower five-year mortality rate compared to those with fewer teeth. Losing five or more teeth before 65 correlates with higher cardiovascular risks, osteoporosis, and diabetes. Each missing tooth raises the likelihood of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and ischemic stroke by about 1.5%.
Hsiao noted that periodontal disease and cavities are the leading causes of tooth loss in Taiwan. While the average number of decayed permanent teeth among 12-year-olds has decreased from 2.5 in 2012 to 2.01, it remains higher than the global average of 1.67. Additionally, 80.48% of adults suffer from periodontal disease, underscoring the need for better oral hygiene practices promoted through events like the carnival.
Lu Wei-li, head of the association's oral health committee, stressed that proper cleaning is the first step to maintaining oral health, with tools tailored to individual needs. For example, children should combine toothbrushing with flossing once they learn to use dental floss, while those with gum issues may require interdental brushes.
Notably, many people rely on water flossers, assuming they effectively clean teeth by removing food debris. However, Lu cautioned that water flossers are only supplementary and cannot fully remove plaque. Overdependence on them may worsen dental conditions.
"Plaque is the root cause of cavities and gum disease," Lu explained. Rinsing alone cannot eliminate plaque; mechanical action from toothbrushes, floss, or interdental brushes is necessary. Toothpicks, while useful for dislodging food, do not clean tooth surfaces and may harm gums, making them unsuitable for oral care.
Lu advised replacing toothbrushes when bristles become frayed or bent to avoid gum irritation and bleeding. Even if bristles appear intact, brushes should be replaced every three months. Regular dental check-ups every six months, along with post-meal and pre-bedtime cleaning, are essential for maintaining oral health.
Source: https:/ / udn. com/ news/ story/ 7……om=udn_ch2_menu_v2_main_cate
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Short-Lived People Have More Missing Teeth; Each Lost Tooth Raises Heart Disease Risk by 1.5%
Who says aging inevitably leads to tooth loss? Doctors emphasize that with diligent care and thorough cleaning, many seniors can retain a full set of natural teeth. Research shows that those who still have healthy teeth by age 74 have a significantly higher chance of becoming centenarians. Conversely, losing five or more teeth before age 65 increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke.
To raise public awareness about oral health, the Taipei Dental Association hosted the "2022 All-Ages Dental Care Carnival" at Taipei's Linsen Park today. The event encouraged people of all ages to prioritize dental health through interactive activities designed to educate participants about oral care needs during different life stages: school-age, adulthood, and senior years.
"Oral health is closely linked to overall well-being," said Hsiao Yang-chin, chairman of the Taipei Dental Association. Having healthy teeth enhances chewing ability, nutrition intake, speech, and social interactions, serving as a cornerstone for quality of life. Studies confirm that periodontal disease patients face higher risks of endocarditis, myocarditis, atherosclerosis-related conditions (e.g., heart attack, stroke, osteoporosis), and other systemic diseases.
Tooth loss may even shorten lifespan! Japanese research found that seniors over 70 with at least 20 teeth had a 2.5% lower five-year mortality rate compared to those with fewer teeth. Losing five or more teeth before 65 correlates with higher cardiovascular risks, osteoporosis, and diabetes. Each missing tooth raises the likelihood of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and ischemic stroke by about 1.5%.
Hsiao noted that periodontal disease and cavities are the leading causes of tooth loss in Taiwan. While the average number of decayed permanent teeth among 12-year-olds has decreased from 2.5 in 2012 to 2.01, it remains higher than the global average of 1.67. Additionally, 80.48% of adults suffer from periodontal disease, underscoring the need for better oral hygiene practices promoted through events like the carnival.
Lu Wei-li, head of the association's oral health committee, stressed that proper cleaning is the first step to maintaining oral health, with tools tailored to individual needs. For example, children should combine toothbrushing with flossing once they learn to use dental floss, while those with gum issues may require interdental brushes.
Notably, many people rely on water flossers, assuming they effectively clean teeth by removing food debris. However, Lu cautioned that water flossers are only supplementary and cannot fully remove plaque. Overdependence on them may worsen dental conditions.
"Plaque is the root cause of cavities and gum disease," Lu explained. Rinsing alone cannot eliminate plaque; mechanical action from toothbrushes, floss, or interdental brushes is necessary. Toothpicks, while useful for dislodging food, do not clean tooth surfaces and may harm gums, making them unsuitable for oral care.
Lu advised replacing toothbrushes when bristles become frayed or bent to avoid gum irritation and bleeding. Even if bristles appear intact, brushes should be replaced every three months. Regular dental check-ups every six months, along with post-meal and pre-bedtime cleaning, are essential for maintaining oral health.
Source: https:/ / udn. com/ news/ story/ 7……om=udn_ch2_menu_v2_main_cate