Most of us associate dentures with old age, but it is actually very common for people of a variety of ages to use them. Today, over 20 million women over the age of forty use partial or full dentures, and this number is estimated to increase by nearly four million in the year 2020. The need for dentures can often be avoided if you practice good oral hygiene. However, if you suspect you might need dentures, this list will help you look for signs that dentures could be a good option.

1. You don’t get regular dental checkups

Visiting the dentist should be a part of your regular routine. Bi-annual visits are recommended to keep possible gum diseases and tooth decay at bay. It is only when cavities become too drastic that tooth extraction and dentures become necessary.

2. Your teeth are loose or have gaps

According to dental health experts, having loose teeth can be a sign of advanced gum disease. Even having too many gaps can result in periodontal problems. In either of these cases, dentures may be the next step.

3. You experience chronic toothaches

Having severe toothaches also indicates that you may need to get yourself a pair of dentures. Tooth pain generally indicates decay at the center of the tooth, and possibly the need for affected teeth to be extracted.

4. Your gums are red, swollen, or bleeding

Irritated gums can indicate that you have periodontal disease or even an early stage of gingivitis. Gum disease accounts for roughly seventy percent of tooth loss cases in adults. If you suspect you might have gum disease, get it checked out as soon as possible.

5. You have a missing tooth

All our teeth work together to ensure that functions like chewing can work properly. As a result, even one missing tooth can put pressure on the other teeth. Most dentists recommend that people who have lost more than two teeth should get partial dentures in order to provide support to the other teeth.

6. You have difficulty eating

If your gum or tooth problems make it difficult for you to eat, dentures could be an effective solution. If you find yourself avoiding crunchy or sticky foods, consult with your dentist to find out if dentures would be helpful.

If you find yourself constantly dealing with tooth issues or feel like you need to hide the way your smile looks, you should consider dentures as a possible solution. Talk to your dentist to find a denture option that works best for your specific situation.