Anodontia & Impact on Overall Physical Health

Oral health is a vital part of our physical health and, when impaired, can lead to cardiovascular health conditions that we typically do not associate with oral health issues. If you have a complication involving the absence of permanent teeth - a condition known as anodontia - it is important to understand how this condition can adversely affect your overall health.

Causes of Tooth Loss
Anodontia is a health condition that is typically genetic in nature and arises out of familial traits. Described as an oral health complication in which permanent teeth do not develop and form, the complications with anodontia can be complete - with all teeth missing - or it may be a partial, in which only a few teeth never form and come in to replace primary teeth.

When to Seek Treatment
When living with either anodontia or partial anodontia, it is important to establish care with an orthodontist and dentist early in your tooth development. Because the absence of important a permanent teeth can lead to malformation of the bite, cause malocclusion, lead to TMD complications, and even promote cavity development, lifelong dental care will be needed.

Secondary Complications
With anodontia, there is a risk for overall physical health complications as the absence of permanent teeth can also lead to early gum disease and decay of the bone structures in the mouth. When these occur, there is direct pathway to the cardiovascular system which can then be adversely affected by bacteria, decay and toxins. Always advise your family health practitioner about any issues you have with anodontia as you will most likely need to monitor your cardiovascular health more closely.

The Role of Trauma
Not all conditions involving poorly formed permanent teeth, or absence of teeth, are related to anodontia. In some situations where teeth are missing, without a genetic or familial complication, the cause is most often a result of early-life oral health trauma. Even in these cases, a visit with a dentist will be necessary.

Always seek out dental care when unsure as to what complications are associated with your oral health and if you have a familial history of dental and tooth complications, it will be even more vital to establish the dental care and treatment early.

Sources:
Smith, Rebecca. The Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery's Guide to Family Dental Care. W.W. Norton & Company, 1997. Print
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7446529
http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/AAG/doh.htm
http://medresidents.stanford.edu/OutPatient_Med/Resources/Trauma%20-%20Mouth.pdf