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Denture Facts
You're Not Alone
The aging process affects every part of
our body – even our teeth. Which means a lot of people –
many of them “baby boomers” – are now among those
who are getting full or partial dentures. In fact, one in five adults
– including half of the over-55 generation – has at least
one denture.
Why? For one thing, we’re living longer.
When the 20th century began, only 3% of the population was 65 or
older. One hundred years later, that age group accounted for 20
percent of the population. The fact is, our natural teeth are being
asked to work longer.
Moreover, many of us assault our teeth and gum
tissues on a daily basis with everything from sugar rich sodas to
candy bars and chewing gum. And many of us can’t seem to find
the time to brush, floss, and rinse often enough to maintain optimum
oral health.
The result? Teeth begin to decay. And if you don’t
care for them, they become problems and sometimes they must be pulled
(extracted). Here is where more problems occur. Because, “in
general, as long as the teeth are present in the jaws, the jawbone
stays intact. When the teeth are extracted, the jawbone begins to
melt away,” explains Dr. Keith A. Robinson, in his book, “Growing
Older With Your Teeth, Or Something Like Them.”1
A more pressing problem is gum disease, which
causes more lost teeth than cavities cause. This is why flossing
is so important – as Dr. Robinson says, “It is the best
way to clean out the garbage that rests and decomposes between teeth.”
He adds, “An old saying is used by dental professionals frequently…pick
out the teeth you want to keep and just floss them!”
The bottom line? Visit your dental professional
regularly, because a dental professional treats mouths, with or
without teeth. And if you’re having problems, ask your dental
professional to try everything possible to avoid having your tooth
or teeth pulled. Even the best denture isn’t likely to be as
good as what Mother Nature gave you in the first place. Exhaust
all opportunities…crown and bridge work, partials, precision
attachments or implants (when surgically placed implants support
a dental restoration)...before having any teeth pulled.
At best, dentures are a compromise. Discuss all
options with your dental professional. You may even want a second
opinion on your treatment options.
1 Keith A. Robinson, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.,
M.A.G.D., Growing Older With Your Teeth Or Something Like Them,
Synergy Publishing, Inc. 1998.
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