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As part of National Nutrition Month® in March, family, cosmetic and implant dentist Dr. Karen Harriman wanted to share a story about one of her amazing patients, Antonio, who even in his late 80s understands the important connection between oral health, nutrition, and longevity.
How Nutrition And Your Oral Health Are Related
Your diet and the nutrition you provide for your body can directly affect the health of your teeth and gums and vice versa. Certain foods and beverages you consume (particularly sugar) can cause dental cavities, tooth erosion and gum disease. These issues can lead to pain in your mouth, loose teeth or even tooth loss which makes it harder to eat and gain the nutrients needed for a healthy mouth and body.
Antonio’s Dental Implant Journey
Antonio is devoted to his dental health and gets routine hygiene appointments as he understands the connection between dental health and overall health. One of Antonio’s teeth needed to be extracted due to an infection, and Antonio did not hesitate in replacing it with an implant as he understands how a full complement of teeth aid in nutrition and overall health.
Antonio has had other implants over the years and has been very happy with how they continue to help with his overall beautiful smile and his ability to chew. Keeping your full dentition is important at any age as it has been demonstrated that loss of teeth contributes to less nutrition and overall poorer health.
What Is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The devices are surgically implanted into the jaw to restore a person's ability to chew. They allow Dr. Harriman to place artificial teeth such as a crown, bridge, or fixed implant-supported denture, restoring occlusal function.
Antonio is delighted with the results of his dental implant and is now able to enjoy his food again. He is hopeful this will continue to aid his ability to consume nourishing food and also it has inspired him to take great care of his teeth so he can live a long and healthy life with no dental issues. If you are missing teeth and struggling with your chewing and are interested in improving your oral health, Dr. Harriman and her dental team are here to help! As Antonio has shown, it’s never too late to improve your health! Call our dental office in Falls Church today to book a consultation to learn what improvements you can make to your oral health. And in the meantime, don’t forget to brush and floss twice a day!