Seniors Aren’t The Only People Who Wear Dentures
When you hear the word dentures, you might think of a senior taking out their false teeth and putting them in a glass next to the bed.
While it’s true that many seniors use dentures on a daily basis, there are also many younger people who rely on dental appliances for both cosmetic and health reasons.
Dentures Are More Common Than You Think
You may be surprised at the number of people who rely on dentures every day. According to the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 37.9 million Americans will require dentures in 2020.
That’s nearly 9% of the United States population.
You’re not alone. There are millions of other people — of all ages — that may be considering dentures just like yourself, for good reason.
Reasons Why Younger People Might Need Dentures
Tooth loss can occur for a variety of different reasons. In many younger people, tooth loss can be attributed to poor dental hygiene as a child, the consumption of high sugar products such as candy or pop, periodontal disease, or traumatic sports injuries.
Often these issues can be fixed or managed with regular visits to your dentist. Seeing your dentist regularly is one of the best ways to prevent the need for dentures late in life.
In other scenarios, juvenile tooth loss can occur from causes outside your control including birth defects, juvenile arthritis, or severe disruptive demineralization in your body.
In some cases, the damage may be severe enough that the remaining teeth need to be extracted and replaced with dentures.
Tooth Loss Can Lead to Oral Health Issues Later On
If left untreated, tooth loss can cause more oral health complications down the road.
Gaps in your teeth mean that your remaining teeth have to pick up the extra stress. This can lead to shifting, damage, discomfort, and pain.
If eating becomes painful or uncomfortable, you may experience difficulty eating. Difficulty eating may cause you to swallow food that hasn’t been fully broken down, leading to digestive issues.
Over time, your body starts to believe that it no longer requires the bone in your jaw where the tooth was lost. This may cause weakness or shrinkage, making you look older than you actually are.
Full or partial dentures can be a great solution to many of these issues. Regardless of your age, dentures can lead to an increase in your overall health and a boost in your self-confidence.
Have you lost teeth as a result of a sports accident or childhood neglect?
Join millions of other people who have reclaimed their confidence with dentures. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our denture specialists.
