CONSEQUENCES OF EDENTULISM

Edentulism, or tooth loss, has profound consequences extending beyond oral health, impacting physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. It alters facial appearance, reduces self-esteem, and causes malnutrition, speech difficulties, and TMJ disorders. Psychologically, tooth loss leads to social isolation, embarrassment, anxiety, and depression. Systemically, its linked to malnutrition, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Functionally, tooth loss impairs food selection, taste, and oral function, while economically, it incurs increased healthcare costs and lost productivity. Prompt dental care and prosthetic treatment can mitigate these consequences, restore oral function, improve aesthetics, and enhance quality of life, emphasizing the importance of early intervention.