Introduction
A person’s health and medical status at the time of death can greatly influence how well their teeth are preserved. Unhealthy habits, including insufficient oral care, smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use, can raise the likelihood of developing oral conditions like gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss.
Diseases
Diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and HIV can also significantly impact the preservation of teeth by causing damage. These conditions can damage the tooth structures, which in turn can lead to discoloration, cavities, and tooth loss.
Medications
Their medications can also affect a person’s dental health. Some medications can damage the teeth, such as those containing certain antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs (Amaroli et al., 2020). These medicines can cause discoloration, erosion, and tooth decay, leading to further deterioration of the tooth structure. They can also reduce the body’s capacity to fight off infection, leading to decay and tooth loss.
Bad Habits
Poor lifestyle choices can immediately affect tooth preservation. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and drug use can all lead to an augmented risk of oral diseases, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss (Avila-Ortiz et al., 2019). Smoking generates tooth discoloration and staining, as well as an increased risk of periodontal disease and tooth loss (Canellas et al., 2019). Drinking alcohol can likewise lead to an increased risk of oral diseases, as well as an increased risk of tooth decay and cavities.
Nutrition
A person’s dental health at the time of their death can also be influenced by their diet. Consuming a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates can boost the chance of cavities and tooth decay (Castro et al., 2021). Additionally, consuming enormous amounts of acidic foods can lead to tooth enamel erosion, discoloration, and cavities (Yeng et al., 2020). Finally, not drinking enough water can lead to a dry mouth, which reduces the body’s ability to fight infections, potentially leading to decay and tooth loss.
Conclusion
Overall, a person’s health and medical condition at the time of their death can significantly impact the preservation of their teeth. Inadequate lifestyle choices, specific medications, and an insufficient diet can all contribute to the breakdown of tooth structure, leading to discoloration, cavities, and tooth loss. Therefore, maintaining good oral health throughout life is essential to ensure the best possible chance of preserving teeth at the time of death.
References
Amaroli, A., Colombo, E., Zekiy, A. O., Aicardi, S., Benedicenti, S., & De Angelis, N. (2020). Interaction between laser light and osteoblasts: Photobiomodulation as a trend in the management of socket bone preservation—A Review. Biology, 9(11), 409.
Avila-Ortiz, G., Chambrone, L., & Vignoletti, F. (2019). Effect of alveolar ridge preservation interventions following tooth extraction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 46, 195–223.
Canellas, J. V. D. S., Medeiros, P. J., Figueredo, C. M., Fischer, R. G., & Ritto, F. G. (2019). Which is the best choice after tooth extraction, immediate implant placement or delayed placement with alveolar ridge preservation? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Cranio-maxillofacial Surgery, 47(11), 1793–1802.
Castro, A. M. P., Van Dessel, J., Temmerman, A., Jacobs, R., & Quirynen, M. (2021). Effect of different platelet‐rich fibrin matrices for ridge preservation in multiple tooth extractions: A split‐mouth randomized controlled clinical trial. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 48(7), 984–995.
Yeng, T., O’Sullivan, A. J., & Shulruf, B. (2020). Medical doctors’ knowledge of dental trauma management: A review. Dental Traumatology, 36(2), 100–107.