Either you are missing one tooth, have a denture (full or partial), or you might need a new denture. Teeth wear out. You use them to eat. You wash them with the beverages you drink. You may even grind your teeth when you are asleep. Over time, you may find that your teeth have reached the point that you need to replace them. How can you tell when it’s time to get a denture?
7 Signs You Need Dentures
- Red, Swollen Gums – Your gums are supposed to be pink and healthy. If your gums are red and swollen, you have some form of periodontal disease. In its earliest stages, you have gingivitis, which can be reversed with good oral hygiene and a dental cleaning. As the disease advances though, you will start to see the loss of bone around the base of the teeth, and that spells trouble.
- Loose Teeth – Gum disease can leave the roots of the teeth loose. These teeth are more vulnerable to cracking and to falling out. They also gap away from the gum tissue allowing for easier access for bacteria to settle into the space causing even more infection.
- Constant Tooth Aches – Tooth aches are a sign of trouble. They are usually caused by decay which has reached the nerve. A filling may do the trick for a single tooth. But, if the decay is extensive, you may need to have the tooth removed. And if the decay is across multiple teeth, you may need more than one removed.
- Missing Teeth – You get an infected or cracked tooth and your only option is to have it pulled. A single missing tooth is not really a big deal for most. But, more than one missing tooth can put abnormal amounts of pressure on the remaining teeth, and that can cause more problems going forward.
- Trouble Chewing Food – It is difficult to chew food if your teeth are in bad condition. Missing teeth or loose teeth can make it difficult to move food around inside the mouth. Toothaches can make it a painful experience. If you find yourself not chewing food properly, it may be time for dentures.
- Indigestion – When you don’t chew food properly, the stomach is going to let you know. If you have recently been experiencing indigestion, it may be because you are swallowing larger chunks of food or poorly chewed food. And that can cause indigestion.
- Hiding Your Smile – When your teeth are not in good condition, you are probably not smiling the way you used to. If you close your lips, or put a hand up to block your mouth, you are hiding your smile. Dentures can give you the confident smile you used to have and ensure that everyone can see your radiant face.
You may have only a couple of these signs, or you may have many. You will know when it’s time to consider dentures. If you want to learn more about dentures or other options, call us here at Metro Dental Health.
