Tooth troubles?
Dentistry professionals gather at 捆绑SM社区 to examine how missing teeth and implants affect health
Too many Canadians have lost their teeth. That's why about 175 dentists, dental students and technicians are gathering at 捆绑SM社区, from May 24 to 25, to learn the latest facts on tooth loss and its negative impacts on health.
Of particular interest should be an 8:15 a.m. lecture on May 24 entitled, "The World Without Teeth: Who Are the Patients and Where do They Live?" Another media-friendly segment will review the benefits of implanted dentures versus regular dentures: "Are Mandibular 2-Implant Overdentures Better Than Conventional Dentures?" Held at 11:15 a.m. on May 24, this talk will be given by conference co-organizer Jocelyne Feine, director of 捆绑SM社区's Graduate Studies in Dental Sciences (Faculty of Dentistry). During her segment, Feine will discuss results from two recent clinical trials, where denture implants were proven to be remarkably more effective in promoting good health than regular dentures. At 1 p.m., at the Faculty Club (3450 McTavish St.), about 20 of Feine's trial subjects will participate in a focus group on dental implants and share their experiences with media.
No money often equals no teeth
Feine says tooth loss, which is clinically labelled as edentulism, particularly affects low-income seniors. Indeed, according to the latest statistics available, over half of Canadians over 65 were toothless in 1988. Even though the situation has since improved, 58 percent of Quebecers over 65 still have no teeth. Worse, Quebecers in the lowest socio-economic brackets are six times more likely to be toothless than high-income earners. "Because Canada's population is aging," warns Feine, "clearly, the high demand for treatment of edentulism will continue for many decades."
What's more, losing teeth doesn't just affect seniors. Twenty five percent of young Quebecers with annual incomes below $24,000 have no teeth at all. Regardless of age, Feine says, "Tooth loss has a substantially negative impact on diet and health."
Feine and 13 other conference speakers will address the following:
- How people with conventional dentures avoid hard-to-chew foods.
- How diminished mastication prevents people from consuming the necessary amount of fruits, vegetables, meats and breads.
- How edentulous individuals have a higher consumption of fat and cholesterol.
- How studies have linked tooth loss to systemic disease in the elderly.
- How lack of teeth can lead to the deterioration of general health and premature death
- How individuals with low-cost implant dentures have significantly fewer gastrointestinal disorders and better nutrition than those wearing conventional dentures.
Talks will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 24 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 25. Lectures will unfold in Moyse Hall of the Arts Bldg. (853 Sherbrooke St. W.). All reporters are welcome to attend by contacting Sylvain-Jacques Desjardins at 514-398-6752.
