21 million Pinoys wear dentures

An estimated 21 million Filipinos above the age of 15 are denture wearers, a recent survey revealed. 

 

In percentage terms, this translates to 33 percent of the population, and is the highest among developing world markets. In other words, roughly about one out of every three Filipinos wears dentures, data from pharmaceutical company Glaxo Smith Kline presented at a forum for dentists in Manila last April 18 showed.

 

Dentures are both a necessity for some and a burden for others who have to live with the personal and social consequences. British dentist Angus Walls, professor of restorative dentistry at the University of Newcastle (UK), said dentists can best help denture users in handling the consequences of denture use on patterns of food consumption.

 

As anyone who wears dentures, or who knows of people who wear them, may know, having dentures impacts both one’s personal habits and how he or she relates to others. Gio Robles, head of oral health marketing for GSK, said that market research conducted by the company found that users of dentures faced challenges ranging from denture movement in the mouth, which affects their eating and laughing patterns, to even the social stigma associated with denture use. 

 

More denture wearers in developing countries

 

The high incidence of denture use is caused by poor oral health habits, Robles added, and a general inability to consult with dental professionals.

 

Walls, a practicing dentist for about 30 years, said denture use is increasing in the developing world mainly because people are able to have them.

 

Speaking of his experience in the UK, Walls said, “Denture wearing is now less common,” he told GMA News Online, “mainly because dentists and patients are now more concerned about saving teeth. But it still is a good part of my practice.” Teeth extraction was once common in his context, but teeth themselves could not be replaced. 

 

The trend toward reduced denture use is generally the case across the developed world, Walls added, “but the population in some countries is increasing, so the numbers remain relatively the same.” 

 

Surprisingly, apart from accidents and tooth decay owing to poor dental hygiene, one cause of tooth loss and subsequent denture use, said Walls, is the incidence of gum disease among pregnant women. “The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy result in an increased risk of gum disease, and so you can progressively get gum disease rather rapidly, particularly if you have lots of children,” explained Walls at the April 18 forum.

 

In the UK, he said, children and young adults up to the age of 18 and people above 60 lose their teeth due to tooth decay, and those in between lose their teeth due to gum disease.

 

Caring for teeth

 

“Probably the most important preventative tool is fluoride,” said Walls. “It can be delivered through toothpaste, or through water as part of water fluoridation schemes, or in milk or in salt depending where you are in the world.” 

 

Trying to get people to clean their teeth properly is the second key, he said, because “if you remove the bacteria from the surface of the teeth, you won't get the disease.” 

 

He explained that tooth decay is caused by bacteria thriving at a specific acidity level (pH 5.5), and fed mainly by sugar. While carbonic acid in most carbonated beverages, for example, causes tooth erosion, the decay is actually caused by bacteria which feed on the high sugar content these drinks generally contain.

 

Walls suggested that denture wearers have a balanced diet, with a strong emphasis on fruits and vegetables and with reduced consumption of hydrogenated fats, for better oral health. –KG, GMA News Artwork by Analyn Perez