How Often Should I See My General Dentist for Dentures Maintenance?

It is a common myth that if you have dentures, you will not need to visit your dentist as often as you did before. If you are missing one or several of your natural teeth and have been wearing dentures, then why would you need to see the dentist? It might sound logical to skip out on regular checkups but doing so can be damaging to your oral health.

4 reasons to maintain regular dental appointments

Whether a person has full or partial dentures, they still need to visit a general dentist at least twice a year or whenever the dentist recommends. Here are four good reasons why dental appointments are necessary.

To maintain proper dental hygiene

No matter how many teeth a person has left, it is still very important to continue maintaining good dental and oral hygiene. Even if the person has no natural teeth left, gum disease is a risk. If a person has partial dentures and some natural teeth left in the mouth, then those teeth are more at risk for cavities. Food particles like to get stuck between dentures and teeth. Even dentures can be at risk of developing plaque buildup, so dentures also need professional cleaning. Going to a regular checkup is important to prevent cavities and gum disease.

To detect any oral health problems

Going to a general dentist on a regular basis will let them check out a person’s oral health. It provides the dentist with the opportunity to catch any potential concerns early on. This can include gum disease and oral cancer. Having the oversight of a dental professional is important. They can act right away if early symptoms of gum disease, oral cancer or other problems start showing up.

To adjust the way dentures fit

As people age, the tissues in the mouth will begin changing. These changes can affect a person’s bite and as a result, affect the way the dentures fit in the mouth. Poorly fitting dentures can cause discomfort. It can also increase the risk of developing sores, gum disease, sleep apnea, TMJ and poor nutrition. Sometimes, a dentist will recommend denture adjustment every few months. If dentures become uncomfortable, start slipping or begin to click when a person speaks, those are signs that a dental appointment should be made.

To help dentures last longer

Seeing a dentist at regular intervals can ensure a person’s dentures are routinely checked out for damage or other problems. This gives the dentist the chance to make immediate adjustments or repairs. This can maintain the functionality of the dentures for an extended period. A general dentist can also provide instructions on how to properly care for the dentures at home. This gives the person the ability to do their part in prolonging the denture’s life span. When properly cared for, dentures can last between seven and 10 years or longer.

Keep going to regular checkups

Whether you are going to your general dentist to make sure your oral hygiene is good, to have your dentures adjusted or simply to get a dental checkup, it is important for you to follow the checkup schedule your dentist provides. This can extend the amount of time you keep your dentures for. It can also provide the necessary maintenance to keep the rest of your teeth and mouth healthy.

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