According to the National Institutes of Health, constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems in the U.S., affecting about 42 million people. Although, there are several causes, today we will discuss poor dentition. Dentition is the arrangement or condition of the teeth in a particular species or individual. Poor dentition can contribute to constipation and other digestive issues through impaired chewing.

In addition to constipation, I want to mention other issues that poor dentition may affect:

1. When poor dentition and severe gum disease or periodontal disease is involved, this can cause harmful bacteria from the mouth, to spread throughout the body.
2. In the instance above, when the oral bacteria enter the digestive tract, it can cause an interruption in your microbiome of the gut which leads to an imbalance in the good bacteria and the harmful bacteria in the gut. This disruption, not only can contribute to constipation, but other digestive issues as well.
3. Lastly, continued poor oral health, also creates chronic inflammation, which can further impact the digestive system.

Help, what can we do? First, see a dentist. Address missing teeth by exploring options like implants or dentures to restore your chewing function. Also, improve your diet and hygiene. Focus on a fiber-rich diet and maintain good oral hygiene. And finally, if you experience chronic digestive issues, consult a healthcare provider. It is very important to address the issue holistically by considering both oral and digestive health.