A new study suggests that wearing dentures may help slow cognitive decline in older adults who have lost some or all of their teeth. The research, published in Aging Medicine, analyzed data from nearly 28,000 older Chinese adults and found that those who used dentures had better cognitive function than those who did not.
The Link Between Tooth Loss and Cognitive Decline
Tooth loss is common in aging populations and has been linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Researchers believe that chewing plays an important role in brain health, as it stimulates blood flow and supports neural activity. When people lose their teeth, their ability to chew properly is reduced, which may contribute to cognitive impairment over time.
Key Findings from the Study
The study, led by Dr. Xiang Qi from New York University’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing, examined data from 27,708 older adults aged 65 and over who participated in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey between 2008 and 2018.
The results showed that:
- Older adults with some natural teeth who used dentures had better cognitive function at the start of the study and experienced a slower decline in cognitive abilities over time.
- For those who had lost all their teeth (edentulous participants), denture use was linked to better cognitive function at the beginning of the study but did not appear to slow the rate of cognitive decline.
- The positive effects of dentures on cognitive function were consistent across participants with different degrees of tooth loss.
These findings suggest that dentures may help maintain brain health by restoring chewing ability, potentially preventing cognitive decline in older adults with missing teeth.
Why Dentures May Protect Brain Health
There are several possible explanations for why denture use may help slow cognitive decline:
- Improved Nutrition – Dentures enable older adults to eat a wider variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and proteins, which support brain health. Poor chewing ability can lead to a less nutritious diet, which may contribute to cognitive problems.
- Enhanced Brain Stimulation – Chewing has been linked to increased blood flow to the brain, which supports cognitive function. Restoring the ability to chew properly with dentures may help keep the brain active.
- Better Social Engagement – Tooth loss can make people self-conscious about their appearance and speech, leading to social withdrawal, which is a risk factor for cognitive decline. Dentures may help improve confidence and encourage social interactions.
The Need for Further Research
While this study highlights the potential role of dentures in maintaining cognitive health, more research is needed to confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Future studies could explore whether early denture use after tooth loss has a greater impact on slowing cognitive decline and whether similar benefits are seen in different populations.
For now, the findings emphasize the importance of oral health care and prosthodontic rehabilitation (such as dentures) as a possible way to support brain health in aging individuals. Regular dental check-ups, proper denture care, and maintaining a healthy diet may be key factors in protecting both oral and cognitive health.
The research findings can be found in Aging Medicine.
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