Yes, such an action of the body we take for granted, can have such an effect on the body. Food with tougher texture require more effort in the mouth and this slow down the rate of eating. These foods give a higher level of fullness that leads to a lower caloric intake. Examples of these foods are unprocessed fruit and raw vegetables.

Conversely, foods that can be consumed quickly, have a greater intake of energy which leads to more fat tissue creation, leading to increase body weight. Not good. This habit of eating, means more food is consumed in a meal but there is a higher tendency of eating snacks after the meal. This is because of the loss of satisfaction of the meal after eating it.

So, we need teeth, appliances (such as dentures) or treatment (such as implants, crown and bridges  and even orthodontics) that provide a decent chewing function. Teeth are not really expendable. So, think carefully before deciding to have teeth removed. Obviously, not at all cost.

A dry mouth does not help with chewing, but more chewing will stimulate saliva flow. There are treatments for dry mouth that stimulates saliva flow. Artificial saliva can be of help but it does not have the salivary amylase enzyme.

The incidence of dry mouth is on the rise. As the population ages, the use of medication increases as the survival rate increases. A large side effect of medications is a dry mouth. Many respiratory and alimentary conditions can create a dry mouth. Of course, dental problems can lead to dry mouth, as well as social habits.

The mouth cops it from all directions, both internally and externally.

To make matters worse, the state of a dry mouth can exacerbate health conditions and even cause an even drier mouth! Vicious cycle!

A dry mouth leads to saliva to be less watery and more mucus. The mucus makes it harder to swallow and digest food. The thick gluggy mucus interferes with breathing making person cough continuously. This tires the person out.

The surface of the mouth and tongue become very sore and even have a burning sensation which can be unbearable. Any inflammation in the body produces chemicals that is attracted to other areas of the body that are inflamed

The normal watery saliva acts like a buffer to neutralise acidity in the mouth and on the teeth. Dry mouth is prone to acid loving bacteria that cause decay and gum problems. The acid environment dissolves the surface of the enamel making it soft and worn easily. Another viscous cycle!

We need to break these viscous cycles.

• Increase saliva flow such as special chewing gum
• Buffer acidity with alkaline water
• Hydrate 
• Use a saliva substitute 
• Low sugar diet especially sticky forms
• Good oral hygiene
• Regular exam and clean visits and monitoring by the dentist
• Change medications, if possible, to reduce dry mouth side effect
• Clean tongue of any film or coating

DEMENTIA

There is evidence of the loss of teeth with a reduction of cognitive ability. Chewing increases cerebral blood flow in the brain. So, loss of teeth increases the risk of dementia.