Every six months, you should visit your dentist for a checkup. During this appointment, you will have your teeth thoroughly cleaned and your dentist will examine your oral cavity. If you have full dentures, you may think that there’s no reason for you to visit the dentist. After all, why bother if you don’t have any teeth left to lose? Read on to learn why dental checkups with dentures are still an important part of keeping your mouth healthy.
#1: Maintain Great Oral Health
Since the teeth of dentures are made from various types of resin or porcelain, they can’t develop cavities like your natural teeth. Even so, cleaning your smile is still crucial to keeping your mouth healthy. If you neglect to properly clean your dentures and let plaque or bacteria buildup on them, this may ultimately lead to a range of oral health issues, including gum disease. During your biannual dental visits, your dentist will be able to identify any signs of these issues and administer prompt treatment before they get any worse.
#2: Detect Issues Early
Though many people may think that teeth are the only thing that dentists focus on, they also examine your gums, tongue, jawbone, and other parts of the oral cavity. This allows them to keep an eye out for problems like oral cancer, infections, signs of teeth grinding or TMJ issues, gum disease, and more. Conditions like acid reflux, diabetes, osteoporosis, kidney issues, and heart disease can also be identified in their early stages with a thorough oral exam
#3: Adjust Your Dentures for Maximum Comfort
Tooth loss means that the jawbone in those areas is no longer receiving the stimulation it needs to remain healthy. Because of this, it will begin to erode over time. Visiting your dentist will allow them to make changes to your dentures to ensure that they continue to fit your mouth properly. This will prevent other oral health issues from developing and keep them from slipping while you speak, eat, or laugh.
#4: Prolong the Life of Your Dentures
With proper care, a pair of full dentures can last anywhere from five to 10 years. This means cleaning them every day, soaking them every night, and making biannual appointments to see your dentist. During these visits, they will be able to identify any issues with your restorations, such as chips, cracks, or other forms of damage. They can then have them repaired or have a new pair made.
Even if you don’t have any teeth left, biannual dental visits are still a vital part of keeping your smile healthy. Make sure to contact your dentist to make an appointment so you can keep your restorations looking lovely and functioning properly!
About the Practice
Are you missing teeth and in need of a replacement option? The team at Paraiso Family Dental & Orthodontics is here to help you enjoy a complete smile once again. Led by Dr. Gary Chaffee, they offer both partial and full dentures as well as implant-retained restorations that can give you back some of your bite power and allow you to smile with confidence. Do you want to learn more about dentures or are you interested in scheduling an appointment with Paraiso Family Dental & Orthodontics? If so, visit their website or call their office at (805) 480-0033 to get started.