Most of us count steps, hit the gym, and talk endlessly about fitness. But when it comes to oral health, complacency quietly sets in—often with consequences we don’t immediately recognise.

On World Prosthodontist Day, Prof. Mahesh Verma, Vice Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and former Director of Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS), offers a timely reminder: a healthy body cannot exist without healthy teeth.

“In today’s age of specialisation, people are very conscious about their general health,” Prof. Verma says. “But oral and dental health is still ignored because dental problems are not considered life-threatening. What we forget is that health is not just about survival—it is about quality of life.”

According to him, physical fitness alone does not guarantee wellness. “You may go to the gym, build muscles, and feel physically strong. But if your oral health is poor, you will never experience true well-being. That ‘feel-good factor’ comes only when your teeth are healthy,” he explains.

Prof. Verma adds a striking perspective, pointing out that the mouth is one of the filthiest parts of the human body. “Yet we continue to underestimate its importance, behaving as if oral health does not really matter—when in fact, it matters immensely,” he says.

One of the most dangerous myths, he notes, is the belief that losing a single tooth does not make much difference. “The mouth has two jaws—upper and lower. If you lose even one tooth in either jaw, the entire balance of the oral system is disturbed,” Prof. Verma explains. Drawing a simple analogy, he adds, “You cannot walk comfortably if even one finger or toe is affected. The same logic applies to teeth.”

He explains that many people unknowingly start chewing from only one side of the mouth. Over time, this uneven chewing affects jaw health and digestion. “This is commonly seen, especially in rural areas, where people even chew using only their gums. There is a false belief that nothing happens if one tooth is lost—and that belief is wrong,” he says.

The impact of missing teeth, Prof. Verma warns, often shows up in nutrition. “Patients tell me they can no longer chew hard foods like carrots or radish. Gradually, they become frustrated and demotivated,” he says.

Unable to chew properly, many people shift to soft, processed foods such as bread soaked in milk or plain rice. “Such diets lack roughage and essential nutrients. Cholesterol levels rise, digestion suffers, weakness sets in, and lifestyle diseases like diabetes begin to appear,” he cautions. As people age, long-term dependence on such foods can be extremely harmful. “You need carbohydrates, proteins, and fibre—and for all of this, you need functional teeth,” he emphasises.

Beyond nutrition, missing teeth also affect facial appearance, speech, and self-confidence, further lowering quality of life.

Explaining the role of prosthodontists, Prof. Verma says they are highly specialised dental professionals who undergo three additional years of advanced training after BDS. “Prosthodontists restore teeth, jaws, smiles, and jaw joints. Not every dentist is trained to handle complex restorations—just as not every MBBS doctor performs brain or liver surgery,” he explains.

He also highlights the crucial role prosthodontists play in the rehabilitation of cancer patients. “Many cancer patients lose parts of their jaw, nose, ear, or face during surgery. Often, they hesitate to step into society because of changes in appearance,” Prof. Verma says. Through advanced prosthetic rehabilitation, prosthodontists help rebuild jaws, facial structures, eyes, and smiles, allowing patients to regain confidence and dignity.

Addressing common fears around artificial teeth, Prof. Verma clarifies that dentures falling out are usually the result of improper fitting, not poor quality. “If a hat is loose, it will slip. The same principle applies to dentures,” he says.

He also dismisses concerns that dental implants require major surgery. “Implant placement is a minor procedure—often simpler than tooth extraction. With modern techniques, implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth,” he explains. On safety concerns, he adds that dental implants are made of the same biocompatible material used in knee replacements, making them completely safe.

Countering the belief that tooth replacement is only for the wealthy, Prof. Verma stresses that dental rehabilitation is not a luxury. “Affordable options such as implants, dentures, and crowns are available. These are essential investments in health and appearance, not cosmetic indulgences,” he says.

As the country marks World Prosthodontist Day, Prof. Verma’s message is clear and urgent: replacing missing teeth is not optional—it is essential. “Healthy teeth are the foundation of good nutrition, confidence, appearance, and overall well-being. If you want to live a healthy, dignified, and fulfilling life, oral health cannot be ignored,” he concludes.