Many people assume that only senior citizens need dentures. However, more younger people wear dentures than you realize. Did you know that around 20,000,000 people who are aged 40+ wear partial or full dentures? It’s thought that this figure will increase by the end of 2024.
None of us want to lose our teeth, but the fact is that many of us will. The only saving grace is that tooth loss is not usually a quick process. This is because most people take care of their teeth and see their dentist regularly. However, there are some common warning signs that you may need dentures now or very soon.
Let’s take a look at these warning signs so you know what to keep an eye out for:
You Don’t Visit Your Dentist Very Often
You should ideally visit your dentist at least once every 6 months. This is so that your dentist can check for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. They will also be able to keep an eye on any changes that they spot in your gums and teeth.
When you only have small teeth or gum problems they can be dealt with fairly easily. However, if they are left to become worse, you could lose a tooth or two. This means it’s likely that you will need dentures.
While we can all take great care of our teeth at home, a dentist is much better at noticing when something is wrong.
Your Teeth Are Loose Or There Are Gaps In Your Teeth
If your teeth are loose, it’s a clear sign of gum disease. This means you will need to have a treatment that can only be undertaken by a dentist. Alternatively, your loose teeth might need to be removed. The good news is that your dentist such as the dentist at redbanksmilesnj.com can help you with dentures.
You Frequently Have Toothache
Did you know that if you have a toothache it’s a sign of tooth decay? It also means that the tooth decay is now attacking the nerve. This nerve is located in the center of the affected tooth. If tooth decay is treated early enough, you might not need to have it removed. However, if the tooth is left to decay, it may need to be removed. You may, therefore, need a partial denture to fill in the gap.
Tooth decay can often be prevented by using mouthwash but this is not always the case. It depends on how bad the decay is and whether the nerve in your tooth is affected. The best thing that you can do is to see your dentist as soon as you can.
You Are Missing At Least One Tooth
If you are missing at least one tooth, you should ask for partial or full dentures. This is so that the rest of your teeth can be protected. They will need extra protection due to the additional pressure that you will put on them. Also, there is a huge risk that you might lose more teeth as they will start to wear down. They can also move into some of the gaps in your gums.
Your Gums Are Bleeding, Swollen, Tender, Or Red
If your gums are bleeding, swollen, tender, or red, it’s a sign that you could either have periodontal disease or early-stage gingivitis. Approximately 70% of people suffer from gum disease at some point in their life, with 3 out of 4 of those people losing a tooth.
The good news is that it is possible to stop or completely reverse gum disease. However, you will need the care of your dentist in addition to looking after your teeth a little better at home.
Did you know that if you left gum disease to go untreated that it could result in you losing teeth and needing dentures?
You Can’t Eat Some Types of Food
If you have missing or cracked teeth, gum disease, or cavities, you could find it hard, if not impossible to eat some foods. This may well mean that you can no longer eat some of the foods you enjoy. This is why it is important that you deal with any problems as soon as you can. The good news is that long-term issues can usually be corrected by dentures, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods once more.
You Get A Lot Of Indigestion
Did you know that if you cannot chew your food properly you could swallow large morsels of food? Not only is this a choking hazard but it can also cause indigestion. This is because the food has not been chewed or ground up properly. The result is that your digestive system and your stomach will struggle to break the food down.
If you experience a lot of indigestion and you have issues with your teeth you should see your dentist or doctor. They might be able to diagnose the issue and help you remedy it.
You Don’t Smile Very Much
If you don’t smile very much because you have damaged or missing teeth, dentures could be a solution. Having teeth that are damaged or missing can make you feel quite conscious each time you smile. This is where dentures can come in and make a huge difference. In fact, a lot of people who wear dentures mention that they smile a lot more.
These days, there is no excuse for having damaged or missing teeth. Unless, of course, they are neglected. Visit your dentist at least once every six months and make sure you brush and floss your teeth regularly, otherwise you could soon have dentures.
As you can see, there are a few indications that you may need dentures. While dentures might not seem ideal, they could make you feel more confident. In addition to this, dentures can also help to eliminate a lot of problems associated with tooth decay. Talk to your dentist as soon as you can if you’re worried about your teeth.
