How to Avoid Wearing Dentures in the Future

Growing older means facing a variety of challenges.  Some of the difficulties that come along with aging are inevitable, but wearing dentures is not one of those things. There are steps you can take to be proactive with your dental care so that you won’t have to wear dentures in the future.

• First, brush your teeth. It may seem to simple and obvious to need to be stated, but many people to not properly clean their teeth. Did you know that over 20 million people in the United States are missing all of their natural teeth? That’s a lot of people who need dentures. Some of that tooth loss stems from poor brushing habits, because one in four adults in this country doesn’t brush twice daily. Lack of brushing leads to periodontal disease, which the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research cites as the most common cause of tooth loss among adults. Brush your teeth twice a day, with a good toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste certified by the ADA.
• While you’re at it, floss! Flossing is important, because when tiny food particles are allowed to remain between your gums and teeth, they harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is often the cause of gingivitis which leads to periodontitis, which leads to lost teeth. Lost teeth, of course, lead to dentures. Floss at least once a day and consider augmenting your brushing and flossing routine by rinsing with a dentist-approved mouthwash.
• Schedule regular dental checkups. It is recommended that adults visit the dentist for a cleaning and exam every six months. Unfortunately, only about half of adults in the U.S. actually do that. These appointments are very important, though, for many reasons. When you have regular cleanings, the dentist and hygienist can help you keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. Further, when your dentist examines your teeth every six months, there’s a better chance of catching any problems when they’re small, before they grow into major issues.

Of course, if you do end up needing dentures, it’s not the end of the world. Today’s dentures are much better than the dentures of generations past, and if you’re replacing missing teeth, you may even be able to get implants as well, provided you don’t have bone deterioration. If you have pain, bleeding gums, you’re losing your teeth, or you are having trouble eating, don’t suffer in silence. Instead, find a good dentist who can help you determine your best options.

If you’re looking for the perfect dentist, choose the practice that was voted best dentist in NYC! At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.