Dentures are an excellent solution to tooth loss and can improve your biting strength, smile, and oral health. They can also replace missing teeth, which helps preserve the natural ones remaining in your mouth.
A lousy toothache is the first sign you should see a dentist, as it could be a precursor to severe decay that needs urgent attention.
Loose Dentures
If you wear dentures, you may find that they become loose over time. While this is a regular occurrence, it can cause pain and discomfort.
When a denture is loose, it rubs against the gum tissue and bone, leading to sore spots and abrasions. This irritation can also lead to infections in the mouth.
Dentures can be temporarily held in place with the use of dental adhesives. Choosing dental implants eliminates the need for adhesives and provides a permanent fix to loose dentures.
If you observe your dentures becoming loose, it’s essential to contact a denture clinic as soon as possible. Loose dentures can cause painful symptoms that negatively impact oral health and confidence if left untreated.
Painful Gums
Painful gums are not something that should be ignored. They could indicate several oral health problems, like gingivitis and tooth decay. Swollen and tender gums can also be a side effect of some medications, including anti-seizure and calcium channel blockers. Other causes of sore gums are viral infections, such as herpes simplex, or a fungal infection called oral candidiasis.
If you have sore gums, make an appointment with a dentist or periodontist (gum specialist) to assess the problem and recommend treatment. Gum disease is frequently indicated by swollen gums, easily curable if detected early. Other possible treatments include teeth scaling and root planing, laser gum surgery, or tooth extraction. Changing your brushing and flossing habits can help, too.
Changes in Speech
A tried-and-true tooth replacement option, dentures have several important advantages for oral health. They improve chewing power, help preserve the teeth still in your mouth, and give you a more confident smile. However, like natural teeth, they will eventually wear down with regular use and age. If you notice any changes in your speech, it’s a sign that your dentures may need to be replaced or repaired.
Speaking or chewing difficulties may also be signs of significant tooth decay that requires a root canal or dental implant since it has reached the nerve. If left untreated, the damage may lead to a need for partial or complete dentures. The earlier you identify problems, the easier it is to address them.
Changes in Eating Habits
If your teeth are causing problems with your chewing ability or you are noticing gaps in your smile, it’s likely time to visit the denture clinic for some repairs. Dentures are a tried and true tooth replacement method that has helped many people restore their chewing strength and confidence with a full smile.
Visiting the dentist twice a year is an integral part of your dental health care regimen, as it keeps gum disease and tooth decay in check, both common causes of missing and damaged natural teeth. If your gums are swollen, red, or tender, these are classic signs of gum disease and must be addressed immediately.
In addition to being an indication of gum disease, bad breath is another reason to have cleaning as soon as possible from your dentist.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can also trigger serious health issues throughout the body. Bacteria affecting the mouth and teeth can spread to other body parts through circulation.
Any lingering lousy breath or white spots on your tongue are signs that it’s time to visit a dentist for an examination and cleaning. These can be caused by an overgrowth of yeast (a.k.a thrush).
The mouth is also the gateway to the rest of the body. Researchers continue to find evidence supporting the “oral-systemic” link, where the microbes that start in the mouth travel throughout the body and trigger disease. Poor dental hygiene can cause a variety of illnesses that can be life-threatening, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
