When you think about dentures, most of the time, an elderly person comes to mind. People have been conditioned to think that dentures are a reserve of senior citizens. However, modern dentures are very prevalent. Recent surveys revealed that millions of people aged 40 and above have partial or full dentures. Changes in lifestyle, diet, and health choices have led to an increase in teeth loss.
Processed foods, sugars, and mineral-free diets have led to people having a weak dental formula. The high prices of health care have also caused some people to have fewer visits to the dentist. Dentures are becoming an option for many people in an attempt to adapt to the changes. Here are reasons why you may find yourself in need of dentures.
You may have to consider dentures if you have missing teeth. Missing teeth are a result of different conditions. Periodontal disease is one of the reasons for missing teeth. You can also have gaps if you suffer from blunt trauma to the mouth. Accidental trauma in the mouth can loosen and break teeth leaving you in need of dentures.
Using hard drugs is detrimental to your general health, and it results in missing teeth. Teeth cavities and decay are the number one cause of missing teeth. If you have too many gaps from cavities, you should consider getting dentures.
Swollen and bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal disease. It may be a sign of gingivitis or severe gum inflammation. Gum disease contributes to a large percentage of adult teeth loss. If left untreated, gum disease can cause teeth loss and even bone density loss. This leads to a denture installment. However, if it is caught early, you may only be required to install partial dentures that help to fortify loose teeth.
Persistent toothaches are a sign that tooth decay has reached the pulp of your tooth. A root canal can sometimes treat tooth decay. If the decay is too far gone, it is extracted and replaced with dentures. You can also go for dental implants to replace missing teeth.
If you lose too many teeth, you risk losing oral function. Your jaw starts to recede, and your face seems sunken. Open spaces left by lost teeth cause the remaining teeth to shift and weaken. Since they lack support from adjacent teeth, they wear down easily from excess pressure. You need dentures to help you eat and speak properly. They also fortify the remaining teeth to prevent further loss.
Having multiple gaps in the mouth can also interfere with your feeding. Indigestion can be a result of food that is not properly chewed. Swallowing large food particles can be hard on your digestive system. If you have gaps in your mouth and you suffer from frequent indigestion, you should consider getting dentures.
Find out if you might benefit from dentures, contact Rudell Gary S. Jacinto, DMD. General and Cosmetic Dentistry in Los Angeles, CA at (323) 405-9428 to book an appointment today.