Dentures have been around for many centuries. In Italy, some of the oldest dentures were created from human or animal teeth, which lasted for a certain amount of time, but were easily broken and replaced. Over the years, dentures have become more sophisticated, which means that they are stronger and will last longer, and are no longer made from other human teeth. Thankfully, tooth loss has been reduced over the centuries, yet still occurs, requiring the need for dentures in certain situations. If you knew that there was a process that would prevent you from needing dentures, or prolong the amount of time it will be before you need dentures, would you follow it? The truth is that there are some steps you can take to reduce the possibility of needing dentures.
You can take some of these preventative steps right now. For instance, taking great care of your teeth will help to reduce your chances of needing dentures in the future. This means brushing your teeth regularly, flossing and getting dental checkups every six months. Routine checkups are one of the most important aspects of excellent dental care since small dental problems can be caught and remedied easier than bigger ones. Other preventative measures include: choosing not to smoke, and following a diet that is rich in nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. While you don’t have to brush your teeth after every meal, eating an apple or carrots after lunch can be a great way to clean your teeth.
Even though following these guidelines may help you avoid the need for dentures, it is entirely possible that you may end up needing them anyway. This could be due to bone loss through osteoporosis, smoking, or because of certain medications that you are on. You could also experience bone loss due to genetics, which will require you to get dentures. Regardless of the reason, if you need dentures, we can help at Northside Family Dental. We have over 20 years of experience and are confident that we can assist you in getting the dentures that will best meet your needs.