You might be surprised to learn it, but dentures aren’t just for the elderly. While you might picture someone over the age of 60 when you think about the typical denture wearer, you might be surprised to learn that more than 50% of denture wearers are actually 44 years old or younger.
The reason most tend to think of dentures as an “elderly” solution is simply because your teeth are generally able to make it through a long life before needing to be replaced. However, genetics, poor oral care, injury, and a number of other factors can increase the risk that your teeth will need replacing and necessitate the use of dentures.
Signs You Might Need Dentures
The first warning sign that you might someday need to find a good affordable solution for dentures is the fact that you’re already missing teeth. Outside of the aesthetic impact of missing teeth, there are a number of problems that can arise due to missing teeth. First, your remaining teeth will be prone to added wear and overuse — which can contribute to problems with your bite. On top of this, missing teeth can also gradually impact the spacing of your remaining teeth – which can significantly impact the structure of your face.
The next most common sign that you might need dentures is the presence of toothaches. If you have multiple aching teeth or are a frequent sufferer of toothaches, there’s a good chance dentures might be in your future. Sensitivity to pressure, the temperature, and ongoing toothache is a telltale sign of tooth decay or injury. Many times, if you catch these symptoms early enough your family dentist will be able to save the tooth or, at the very least, use a partial denture to eliminate the need to replace all of your teeth.
Third, if you’re noticing frequent stomach aches or indigestion accompanied by tooth pain or sensitivity, it could be a sign that your teeth need help. Recurring indigestion or stomach aches can sometimes be the result of food that’s gone under-chewed when you can’t properly chew your food due to a dental issue.
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, tooth loss runs in your family, or you’re simply concerned about your teeth in general – don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. Never forget that a large part of your dentist’s job is listening and understanding, to better recommend treatment that’s catered to you.
