3 Lesser-Known Facts For Anyone Considering Dentures

1 October 2015
 Categories: Dentist, Articles

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According to the American College of Prosthodontists, approximately 35 million Americans are missing all of their permanent teeth. If you're amongst this group, chances are you've spoken with your dentist about dentures or dental implants. Both are excellent options, but if you're leaning towards getting dentures, it's vital to be fully informed before making a final decision. Here is some valuable information for anyone who is considering getting dentures:

Like Your Teeth, Dentures Are Porous

Just like teeth, both partial and fully-acrylic dentures are porous. For many patients, the biggest problem they have with their porous dentures is bad breath, which is caused by the microbes that are naturally found in your mouth in combination with bacteria that can be introduced through foods and beverages can cause your breath to be kinda stinky.

Luckily, there are several ways to combat this issue, which will allow you to enjoy your beautiful new smile without the threat of bad breath. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, there is one additional weapon that denture wearers have in their arsenal: the overnight soak.

According to Best Health Magazine, soaking your dentures overnight will help eliminate the bacteria that leads to bad breath. In addition, a thorough overnight soaking can also remove stains and plaque. This is all it takes to keep your dentures looking bright and white for several years!

Finally, one of the biggest benefits of soaking your dentures overnight is the break you'll give your mouth and gums. Leaving your dentures in your mouth 24/7 can be very painful, so it's important that you allow your gums to breathe for at least a few hours everyday.

Your Prescription and OTC Medications Can Impact Your Dentures

While reading through the side effects of your prescription or over-the-counter medications, did you come across the term "xerostomia"? Otherwise known as dry mouth, xerostomia is a common side effect that is associated with dozens of prescription and OTC medications. For dentures patients, dry mouth is a serious issue that can lead to several problems.

In addition to making it difficult to eat or drink, dry mouth can also make your dentures very uncomfortable and can promote the growth of bacteria.

There are other medications that can cause potential problems with dentures. For example, if you're taking an immuno-suppressant drug, the medication can impact your body's ability to fight off infection, including bacterial infections in your mouth.

Luckily, with the help of your dentist and doctor, there are several strategies available that will help combat dry mouth. Your doctor may prescribe a different medication, and a dentist, like Davis R Troup DDS PA, can recommend several products to alleviate dry mouth, such as specialized mouth washes and rinses.

Dentures Are More Inexpensive Than You Might Think

If you've been suffering with dental health issues for several years, you might be ready to speak with your dentist about the cost and upkeep associated with dentures.

Before you make the drastic decision to continue suffering with the pain and social embarrassment associated with dental health issues, speak to your dentist about the initial cost associated with dentures. You might be surprised to learn that dentures can be very affordable, and your dentist may have several payment options available.

The average set of dentures will last anywhere between five and seven years, and in most cases, you will only need to visit your dentist a few times during this period to have your dentures repaired or refitted. Other than the initial cost and the occasional repair, the expense of keeping your dentures and mouth clean is comparable to caring for permanent teeth.

Remember, that ultimately, the time and money that your dentures require is well worth the peace of mind and self confidence that comes with a bright, beautiful smile!

Now that you're more informed about the benefits of dentures, don't hesitate to speak with your doctor about whether this option is right for you. With the help of your dentist, you can find the best option to restore your smile, whether it is dentures or dental implants.