How Dentures Can Improve Your Oral Health After Losing Your Teeth
Your mouth is a major part of your life. It’s the gateway to good health and well-being, and if you take care of it, it will take care of you. Yet many people neglect their mouths because they don’t realize that oral health has such a profound effect on general health.
For example, dry mouth can lead to dental problems like cavities and gum disease; poor nutrition can result in tooth decay, and chronic infections in the mouth may be an indication of other serious medical conditions like diabetes or HIV/AIDS. The truth is: If you want to feel better and live longer—and look better while doing so—it all starts with taking care of your oral health.
How Missing Teeth Affect Oral Health
Approximately 26% of adults over the age of 65 have lost all their teeth, and they are at increased risk of developing gum disease. When you lose your permanent teeth, it has an impact on your oral health. Gum disease is more common among people who are missing some or all of their teeth because bacteria get trapped between the gums and bones that surround empty tooth sockets. Dentures can help improve this by preventing food from getting stuck in gaps where there are no teeth to dislodge it before it reaches the gums, thus reducing bacterial growth.
Simply said, getting a denture can be a great solution for restoring oral health if you’ve lost some or most of your permanent teeth. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups to make sure they are fitting properly and staying clean.
Types Of Dentures
The type of denture you choose depends on your personal preference and needs. It is important to discuss your needs with a denture specialist to have a better understanding of what options are available to you. The most important thing is finding one that fits well, feels good on your mouth, and makes you feel great about your smile.
Partial Denture
This type of denture fills in the spaces left by one or more missing teeth on either the upper or lower jaw. These fillings can be made with metal, plastic, porcelain-coated metal, acrylic resin (plastic), or porcelain materials. The filling is cemented onto your natural gum tissue or dental implant posts that have been surgically placed into your jawbone area to hold it in place.
Conventional Denture
This is one of the most common types of dentures and is often made and placed between two to three months after teeth have been removed. This is the period where the gum tissues have started to heal.
Immediate Denture
Immediate dentures on the other hand are often referred to as temporary dentures. They are placed immediately after your teeth have been extracted, and are only worn for a short period of time. This keeps your gum tissues protected as it heals after tooth extraction.
How Dentures Improve Your Oral Health
Dentures can make a huge difference to your oral health. They help you speak more clearly and eat the foods you love without worrying about embarrassing dental issues or pain from tooth decay or gum disease. Dentures protect against other oral problems as well by holding space open for your gums where there are no teeth, allowing them to heal properly.
A beautiful smile can restore your confidence. If you’ve lost most or all of your teeth, don’t suffer in silence. Call (208) 884-8844 today and speak with a denture specialist to schedule your FREE consultation.
