If you have a full denture, you may think you don’t need a dentist anymore. After all, the only teeth you have now are made of resin and porcelain. Doesn’t that mean your mouth will be fine from now on? However, this belief doesn’t hold up. In fact, it turns out there are good reasons to get dental checkups with dentures. Read on to learn four major benefits of continuing to see your dentist, even when your mouth is full of false teeth.
You’ll Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Whether or not you have any natural pearly whites left, it’s essential to maintain your dental hygiene.
For one thing, full denture wearers are still at risk for gum disease. You’ll want to make sure your gums stay their healthy pink color instead of getting inflamed or infected.
Meanwhile, those with partial dentures are at a heightened risk for cavities. Leftover food particles, it seems, are especially likely to get stuck between false and natural teeth.
Dentures themselves can also house plaque that requires professional cleaning. When left untreated, this buildup makes your mouth smelly, diseased, and worse.
Your Dentist Can Catch Oral Issues Early
Besides preventing health problems, dental visits stop oral issues early. More specifically, they aid in the early detection of things like gum disease and oral cancer.
Said detection is essential when you have dentures. Studies show that people with these prosthetics (particularly ill-fitting ones) are at higher risk of oral cancer, meaning they have a great need for dentists. The latter will be fully equipped and capable of immediate action should warning signs appear.
Checkups Can Adjust Your Dentures
Because hard and soft mouth tissues change over time, you need to adjust your dentures occasionally. Not doing so will result in discomfort and an increased risk of gum disease, sores, TMJ, sleep apnea, and poor nutrition.
As such, dentists recommend you see them normal for denture fitting adjustments every few months. Dentures that are uncomfortable or tend to slip or click when you speak need dental visits even sooner.
As you can see, you should always attend regular dental checkups with dentures — toothless or not. That being the case, remember to talk with your dentist to ensure your next appointment is on their schedule!
About the Practice
Cambria Smiles is based in Cambria, CA. Its mission is to provide a unique dental experience that combines comfort and quality. To that end, their team offers customized preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including emergency treatments like root canals. Staff further ensure excellent service by using state-of-the-art dental technology. For more information or to schedule an appointment, they can be reached at their website or by phone at (805)-927-4811.