As we get older, we are more likely to experience dental health side effects caused by the natural aging process, tooth decay, and gum disease. Without proper care, you are more likely to experience chronic tooth loss. However, treatments can still help you achieve good oral healthcare, like dentures. If you’re interested in learning the pros and cons of this popular dental service, keep reading. 

Tooth Loss

There are two leading types of dental diseases: tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay specifically is a major public health problem, with 90% of adults over the age of 20 experiencing a cavity. 

When tooth decay begins and a cavity forms, the damage is reversible. However, once the decay extends further into the tooth, tooth restoration will have to be considered. In the event decay extends further down the tooth, the bacteria from the decay can hit the pulp of the tooth, putting you at risk for pain, swelling, and tooth loss. 

Good oral health can help prevent tooth loss due to decay and disease. To fight this while your teeth are healthy, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. You should also be flossing once a day, using a mouthwash, and seeing your dentist every six months. 

If you are missing teeth, it can make eating, chewing, and talking difficult. This can lead to a poor quality of life. However, replacing them can help increase this quality of life for decades to come. 

What are Dentures?

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. WebMD explains there are two types of dentures available: complete and partial dentures. 

• Complete dentures: these are used when all of the teeth are missing. They can be made after the teeth have been removed from your mouth and the gums have healed. A conventional denture is ready for placement about two months after all teeth have been removed. Immediate treatments are made in advance and can be placed as soon as the teeth are removed. 
• Partial dentures: these are used when the patient still has some teeth remaining. A partial denture or bridge typically consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored base, which can sometimes be attached by a metal framework that holds it in place in the mouth.

No matter the type of denture you need, they both work to accomplish the same goal: to restore your smile and give you a greater quality of life. 

Pros of Dentures

Dentures allow patients to regain control of their oral health. They can help anyone of any age whose oral health has been affected by disease and decay. They are custom-made meaning they will fit each patient perfectly, and they give patients the ability to talk and eat like normal. 

Cons of Dentures

The disadvantages to dentures, OralB explains, are that they take some time to get used to. At first, they could feel loose as your cheek and tongue muscles will need to adjust to them. However, during this time, a denture adhesive can help make sure your dentures fit more naturally to help this adjustment period. If you find that they still aren’t fitting correctly after some time, they can be realigned for a better fit. 

Caring for Dentures

To care for your dentures, you will need to follow a few steps:

• Handle the dentures with care. To avoid accidentally dropping them and damaging them, stand over a folded towel or over a full sink of water while you are handling them.
• Brush and rinse dentures daily, but not with toothpaste. Toothpaste is abrasive and can create small scratches where food and plaque can develop. Much like your natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove these things. 
• Use a denture cleaner. Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid can be used to clean them. 
• Take care of them when you’re not wearing them. Dentures need to be kept moist when not being worn so they do not dry out or lose their shape. When network, dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water. Your dentist will tell you what method is best for your specific dentures.

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania 

Good oral healthcare starts at the dentist. Dentures can help you restore your smile and give you full function of your mouth back. If you are interested in learning if you are a good candidate for dentures, make an appointment today to come see Dr. Ania by calling our office at (303)-872-9940.