Aging Teeth: 4 Signs You Should Consider Getting Dentures

Even if you have always been diligent in caring for your teeth, there may come a time when they become too fragile or damaged to continue to serve you. There are certain indications that can help you decide the time has come to consider getting dentures. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, below are four signs that you may want to discuss dentures at your next dentist appointment.

Inflamed Gums

This is a tell-tale sign that you may need dentures, but one many people choose to ignore. You can tell that your gums are inflamed if they are red instead of a healthy pink in color, or if they’re swollen, tender, or bleeding. Chances are you have some degree of gingivitis, even to a mild degree.

70% of adult tooth loss is attributed to gum disease, but that doesn’t mean everyone who has it needs dentures. If caught early enough, gum disease can be treated to prevent further decay. A dental cleaning at the office and more diligent care at home can help stave off the need for dentures.

Teeth Are out of Alignment

As we get older and lose some of our adult teeth, the gap can lead to other alignment problems. This is why a dentist will install a bridge, after pulling a tooth. Left open, that gap can cause the other teeth to shift or loosen. This type of action with the teeth can also be indicative of an advanced periodontal disease. If this is the case, some additional teeth may have to be extracted and the underlying problem will have to be treated. If the problem is severe enough, a full set of dentures may be required. A dental exam that includes an X-ray can assess your exact condition and needs for treatment.

Difficulty Chewing Certain Foods

If you’re having difficulty eating certain foods, that suggests a serious dental problem. Difficulty in chewing hard or chewy foods is especially problematic. There can be multiple causes or several different causes, but the most common culprits are missing teeth, cracked teeth, rotted teeth, or gingivitis. In cases where the problem is caused by just one tooth, that tooth may be saved with a root canal and a crown. Otherwise the tooth may need to be extracted. An experienced dentist like those at Brantly Dental who specialize in dentures in San Angelo can determine the extent of the problem and the best procedure for correcting the problem.

You Rarely Smile

For people who have severe dental problems, smiling is something they purposely avoid. They feel ashamed of their poor tooth health and try to hide their dental problems as much as possible. This means avoiding smiling and laughing, especially around those with whom they’re unfamiliar. This contributes to a lack of self-esteem and poor confidence in oneself.

While the prospect of getting dentures may be a little off-putting, research has found that patients feel much better once the procedure is over. 67% of women say they smile more often and more confidently, after getting dentures.

The technology has advanced considerably in recent years, offering more options today than ever before. While it’s far better to care for your teeth and pursue regular visits with your dentist to ensure your natural teeth remain healthy and strong, sometimes the teeth just can’t be repaired. In those cases where stronger measures are needed, talking to your dentist about dentures can alleviate many of your concerns and help you to make a decision that will lead to a more satisfying life. Bad teeth and damaged gums can pose greater health risks in addition to contributing to self-image issues, so it’s especially important to pursue treatment options with your family dentist as soon as possible.