If you’ve lost all your natural teeth, you’ve likely chosen a denture to restore a beautiful smile. Besides improving your self-esteem and quality of life, you might believe you will have more time in your schedule because you won’t need to see your dentist anymore. Although you don’t have any teeth, routine dental checkups with dentures are still necessary. Here are 5 reasons you should visit your dentist at least every 6 months.
Benefits of Visiting Your Dentist
Although you’re missing your teeth, your oral health is still important, especially if you wear full dentures. Here’s why you should continue to see your dentist at least twice a year.
1. Prevent Dental Issues
Besides your teeth, you’ll also lose your jawbone’s density, which will cause your hard and soft tissues to change shape over time. Since it’s a gradual process, you might not notice an issue until pain and sores develop. Your dentist will monitor your gums and bone to make the necessary adjustments to your denture to ensure it fits snuggly to avoid any irritation.
2. Monitor for Health Risks
Your teeth aren’t the only components of a healthy smile. Your gums, jaw, and soft tissues are also crucial. Your dentist will need to continue to monitor your oral health to detect certain complications, like oral cancer, jaw disorders, and infections.
3. Prolong Your Denture’s Lifespan
On average, dentures need to be replaced about every 5 to 7 years. In addition to caring for your dentures at home, visiting your dentist can also promote their longevity. Your dentist will make the proper repairs and adjustments to ensure your new teeth last for many years. They will also perform a thorough cleaning to ensure they always look their best while preventing unwanted odors.
4. Maintain Your Oral Hygiene
Since your dentures will function like your real teeth, they will be exposed to food particles, bacteria, and plaque. While you won’t be at risk of tooth decay, you can still develop gum disease. A professional cleaning will remove the buildup to lessen your risk of infection. They will also review your home oral care routine to make recommendations for improvement to ensure you’re properly cleaning your dentures.
5. Balance Your Nutrition
If your dentures don’t fit well, you might skip certain foods because they are too difficult to chew, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies that harm your general health. Routine trips to your dentist will promote the stability of your dentures, so you don’t need to eliminate any foods from your diet for balanced nutrition.
Don’t compromise your new smile by skipping regular dental appointments. Invest in your oral health with a cleaning and checkup.
About Dr. Colin Holman
Dr. Holman earned his dental degree at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and is a member of various dental organizations, including the American Dental Association. He is an award-winning dentist who is committed to excellence to create healthy smiles. If you need a preventive appointment, or you’re ready to replace your missing teeth, contact our office today.
