A new study conducted by researchers at New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing suggested that in comparison to older adults with more social communications, socially isolated older adults have a higher likelihood of having missing teeth and losing their teeth faster over time. Tooth loss can play a major role in your well-being, and can not only impact the beauty of your smile, but also your speech, chewing efficiency, and much more!
According to the World Health Association (WHO), up to one in three older adults report being lonely in countries such as China and the United States. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many older adults experiencing social isolation in attempt to stop the spread of the virus. Previous research has linked social isolation with many health issues including increased risks of heart disease, mental health disorders, cognitive decline, and premature death.
The study makes a distinction between social isolation and loneliness, noting “While social isolation and loneliness often go hand in hand, it’s possible to live alone and be socially isolated but to not feel lonely, or to be surrounded by people but still feel lonely,” said the study’s senior author Bei Wu.
The researchers aim was to discover the potential connection between social isolation, loneliness, and tooth loss in older adults in China. Previously reported, older adults in China ranging from ages 65-74 on average were missing 9 teeth, and 4.5% were missing all teeth, according to Science Daily. The researchers looked at data of 4,268 adults aged 65 and up from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. They controlled for factors including oral hygiene, health status, tobacco and alcohol use, and more.
From analyzing the data, they found that 27.5% reported they were socially isolated, and 26.5% reported loneliness. Overall, they found a relationship between higher levels of social isolation and having less teeth in addition to losing teeth faster over time. Socially isolated adults had approximately two less teeth and 1.4 times the rate of losing their teeth than individuals who did not report social isolation. They did not find any link between loneliness and the amount of teeth present or the rate of tooth loss.
“Socially isolated older adults tend to be less engaged in social and health-promoting behaviors like physical activity, which could have a negative impact on their overall functioning and oral hygiene, as well as increase their risk for systemic inflammation…This functional impairment seems to be a major pathway linking social isolation to tooth loss,” reported Wu.
The authors note the importance social interactions may be in overall quality of health. “Our study suggests that maintaining and improving social connections may benefit the oral health of older adults…The findings align with previous studies demonstrating that structural indicators of social disconnection can have powerful effects on indicators of health and well-being,” said Xiang Qi, a PhD student at NYU Meyers and the study’s first author. This study was published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology.
This pandemic has impacted us all, but our community is indeed all stronger together. Our team at WDG always has your safety and health as our top priority, and we have implemented additional safety measures and equipment to help prevent the transmission of all infections, including COVID-19. Wellesley Dental Group has completely reopened since June 8th, 2020 for all dental procedures and cleanings! Thank you for entrusting your health and dental care to us at Wellesley Dental Group.
Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment.
Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Bahar Houshman and Dr. Marisa Reason is happy to help with your TMJ and orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs, Dr. Reisman would love to help, and our gum-specialist Dr. Singh can help with your gum-related concerns.
References:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220120125435.htm