The popular notion about dentures is that they are for older people. However, more people use them than you think; about 20 million women over 40 wear full or partial dentures, and experts project this number to rise to 37.9 million by the end of 2020.
Fortunately, dentures needn’t be an option for people who have good dental hygiene. If you brush and floss regularly and go for dental checkups, you will be unlikely to need dentures. If any of these apply to you, however, you might need dentures in the future.
You do not visit the dentist regularly
Visiting your family dentist at least twice a year will allow them to keep an eye on changes in your gums and teeth. If you visit your dentist regularly, you will be able to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. You should address these issues when they aren’t so severe.
You have gaps between your teeth
Loose teeth are often a sign of advanced gum disease. If you have shifting teeth, you might need extensive periodontal treatment. In some cases, loose teeth might even need an extraction since keeping them in would be detrimental to the others.
You always have toothaches
When your teeth hurt, it is a sure sign that you have a severe dental problem. When you have toothaches, it means the bacteria is starting to attack the nerve in the middle of the tooth. When you regularly avail of dental services, you won’t reach this stage, and you can get your tooth decay remedied with a simple tooth filling.
You have tender or bleeding gums
If your gums are swollen or irritated, it is almost sure to have early-stage gingivitis. Gum disease is the cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss, but you can prevent it from worsening. Untreated gum disease can cause bone or tooth loss and will almost certainly lead to dentures.
You have at least two missing teeth
When you have more than one missing tooth, you would need to get prosthetic teeth to prevent excessive wear and pressure on the remaining ones. When you depend on fewer teeth, you might lose them as well. You run the risk of wearing down or shifting the ones that are already in place.
You have frequent indigestion
When you cannot chew your food thoroughly, you swallow bigger pieces of it. As such, your system will have larger particles to break down, which could give your stomach and digestive system a hard time. Improper chewing can be from bad habits that had solidified in adulthood.
Alternatively, someone might not chew food thoroughly because they are nursing a swollen or painful area of their mouth. If you suffer from frequent stomach aches or digestive issues, your aching gums or missing teeth might be the reason why.
Conclusion
Regularly availing of dental services helps you prevent serious issues with your teeth and gums. Your dental care professional can alert you of possible issues like tiny cavities, misalignments, and other things that can lead to extractions, dentures, or other more significant concerns.
Visit Ivy Rose Family Dentistry for your dental health needs. We provide dental services in Mansfield, TX, helping families with their oral health goals and needs through innovative, patient-first services. Request an appointment today for more information!
