Francie Stonis, now age 56, lost her teeth at 16 years old in the Philippines. It has had a lifelong effect, but, today, the Sydney woman is getting an upgrade for her two front teeth. Now, she says, she is vigilant about looking after her teeth and her family's teeth.
Increasingly, many Australians have fewer than 21 teeth and need replacements. Dental prosthetist Martin Dunn says, in many cases, it could have be avoided.
The deputy chief executive of the Australian Dentists Association, Eithne Irving, says people sometimes think losing teeth is just part of the ageing process. He says that is wrong.
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