Very few people think that they are going to need dentures in their lifetime. People know that it can, and does happen, but many people think that it can’t possibly happen to them. In actuality, dentures are far more prevalent in our society than many people know. Currently there are over 33.6 million adults in the US that use partial or full dentures, and that number is expected to go up to 37.9 million in 2020.
According to the ADA, people get dentures for different reasons. If someone has lost all of their teeth due to gum disease, injury, or tooth decay, they can use dentures not only to perform any of the functions that your teeth would. They could also do so to restore appearance, because the muscles in your face can sag without the structure provided by teeth.
Getting dentures is a big decision, talk to a dentist at Same Day Dental before committing to a procedure.
1. Gum Problems or Gum Disease
If your gums are inflamed, bleeding, swollen, or even just red or tender, this can be a sign that you have gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can damage the bones in your mouth and can lead to tooth loss, which may cause a need for dentures.
2. Loose or Shifting Teeth
If your gum disease advances to a point of severity, it can cause the gaps between your teeth to widen which leads to loose and shifting teeth. Once again this can cause tooth loss which can necessitate dentures.
3. Chronic Tooth Pain or Toothaches
If your mouth hurts often, this could mean that your teeth are decaying and that it has reached the pulp of your teeth. If you seek treatment early, you may catch it in time to fix it with a filling. However, if it reaches the advanced stages you may have to have your teeth pulled.
4. Indigestion and Difficulty Eating
Indigestion isn’t always just a stomach problem, in fact it can be an indicator of a bigger problem. If your teeth hurt and you have problems chewing, you are more likely to swallow large chunks of food which can lead to indigestion.
5. Cosmetic Reasons
If you get embarrassed when you smile, or are frustrated with how your teeth look, dentures can be a good solution. Not everyone who uses them has oral hygiene problems, they may just choose to do so to become happier with their appearance.
6. You Skip Your Dental Visits
Most of the problems mentioned above can be avoided if you go to the dentist regularly. If you schedule visits every 6 months, you can catch many of these smaller issues before they become larger issues that lead to dentures. You can schedule an appointment at one of Same Day Dental’s Indiana or Texas locations.
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