Now that he’s gotten his dentures, your father has decided he doesn’t need those twice-a-year dental checkups anymore. What’s the point if he doesn’t have any real teeth to take care of? Unfortunately, this decision could be putting him at risk for gum disease and other health issues; furthermore, just because his teeth are false doesn’t mean they don’t still need to be examined from time to time. If you or a loved one is thinking about skipping future appointments after getting dentures in Reston, here are 3 reasons to reconsider.
1. GUM DISEASE IS STILL A THREAT
Even when all your teeth are gone, the bacteria in your mouth can still cause gum disease. If this happens, the resulting inflammation and pain could be bad enough to prevent you from wearing your dentures. You could also develop bad breath.
Furthermore, an infection in your gums can put you at a higher risk for other diseases. If your gums begin to bleed, it gives bacteria an opening to enter the bloodstream and cause damage throughout the body. This can increase your risk of potentially life-threatening heart conditions such as stroke and heart attack; other severe health problems such as Alzheimer’s have been linked to gum disease as well. Thus, it’s essential to make sure your gums stay healthy with a biannual examination and cleaning from the dentist in Reston.
2. THE DENTIST MAY FIND OTHER ORAL HEALTH ISSUES
Dental checkups often include a screening for oral cancer, the sixth most common form of cancer. An early diagnosis greatly increases the chances of survival. Some studies have shown that ill-fitting dentures might make the development of oral cancer more likely, which makes regular screenings even more important.
There’s also the possibility that the dentist will find other signs of systemic health issues in the mouth. Diabetes, HIV and AIDS, and leukemia are just a few examples of conditions that have oral symptoms. Regular checkups make it more likely that you’ll be able to get a successful diagnosis and treatment early on.
3. DENTURES WILL SOMETIMES NEED ADJUSTMENTS
Missing teeth lead to bone loss in the jaw, and the hard and soft tissues in your mouth will begin to change over time. Eventually, your dentures will no longer fit correctly; not only is this uncomfortable, but it could also lead to gum disease, TMJ disorders, sleep apnea and difficulty eating. It’s best to have your dentures checked regularly. Some patients may need an adjustment every few months.
Your dentist will advise you on how to look after your dentures and your overall oral health. Follow their directions and keep an eye out for troublesome symptoms. Your new smile may be made of false teeth, but it’s still worth detecting!
To schedule a dental care exam call (703) 925-0800 or request an appointment online today.
