Are teeth really necessary?

Aug 2, 2010

Editor's note: Helaine Smith's column, The Mouth Physician, appears regularly on the DrBicuspid.com advice and opinion page, Second Opinion.

My last column raised a very interesting point about the need for teeth. One dentist commented that we do not need teeth. I agree; in fact, I know many people who lived life fully being edentulous.

Using this same logic, we do not need arms, legs, eyes, or kidneys either. But I believe teeth are just as important as these other parts of our body and should be valued and saved and replaced.

In Massachusetts, people on state assistance can receive dialysis and prosthetic arms and legs. A Harvard teaching hospital recently signed an agreement with the state of Massachusetts to do kidney transplants on prisoners. It seems the state values the quality of life of prisoners to allow them to be eligible for a transplant, yet will not allow a person on state assistance to receive a denture or have a cavity filled to prevent tooth loss.

As of July 1, all adults in Massachusetts who participate in the state's MassHealth program lost access to routine dental care (other than cleanings, extractions, and emergency services). All restorative procedures, including dentures, fillings, root canals, crowns, and periodontal work, are no longer covered. All the result of state budget cuts.

It is this belief that people do not need teeth that does not allow our profession to be seen as an integral part of health and healthcare. Digestion begins in the mouth; being able to masticate healthy foods is imperative to better health especially to those who have diabetes. Having teeth promotes self-esteem and confidence.

If we continue to hold this belief that teeth are disposable, then our profession might become disposable too.

When I was in college I worked for a dentist who told me that a monkey could do an amalgam. I am not sure about that, but I know a monkey cannot do a composite, diagnosis sleep apnea, screen for oral cancer, or rehabilitate a collapsed occlusion.

It is time we change our thinking from that of tooth plumbers to mouth physicians. Yes, teeth are important, and so is oral health.

Helaine Smith, D.M.D., owns and operates two dental offices -- a cosmetic dental spa and a family dental practice -- in the Boston area and is a passionate advocate for educating consumers about dentistry. A fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Smith writes and lectures about dentistry frequently and is actively involved in several volunteer organizations, including Operation Smile, Cape CARES, and Give Back a Smile.

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