What happens so that people have to get dentures?

[Angel1111]

The whole concept of having dentures irks me to no end. Not that people who have them irk me, but just the idea that when I get old, this might happen to me. I absolutely cannot fathom this. Why is it that when people get older, they have to get dentures? Do their gums stop supporting their teeth? Is there something you can do while you're young to prevent this from happening?

[You'reasian]

The whole concept of having dentures irks me to no end. Not that people who have them irk me, but just the idea that when I get old, this might happen to me. I absolutely cannot fathom this. Why is it that when people get older, they have to get dentures? Do their gums stop supporting their teeth? Is there something you can do while you're young to prevent this from happening?

 

Brush your teeth daily, rinse etc.

[carhill]

One common cause:

 

Periodontal disease weakens the tooth attachment and resulting bacteria damage the tooth structure as well, leading to eventual tooth loss. Taking care of your gums is at least as important as taking care of the tooth itself. Also, clean and healthy teeth and gums reduce bacterial introductions into the blood and other tissues, helping overall health and well-being.

 

Genetics also play a role. Some people are destined to have dental issues, no matter how well they care for themselves.

[Angel1111]

Brush your teeth daily' date=' rinse etc.[/quote']

 

Doesn't everybody do that? I think there's more to it than that.

[Angel1111]

One common cause:

 

Periodontal disease weakens the tooth attachment and resulting bacteria damage the tooth structure as well, leading to eventual tooth loss. Taking care of your gums is at least as important as taking care of the tooth itself. Also, clean and healthy teeth and gums reduce bacterial introductions into the blood and other tissues, helping overall health and well-being.

 

Genetics also play a role. Some people are destined to have dental issues, no matter how well they care for themselves.

 

Then what causes periodontal disease? Is that just part of brushing? I like those new toothpastes that are out now that foam up in your mouth - sounds pretty neat.

[carhill]

Brushing is just a small part of dental care. Flossing, massaging the gums, cleaning tartar and calculus all play a part in maintaining the health of the teeth and gums. My stbx was prone to sublingual gland secretions which caused calculus buildup at the gumline, irritiating the gingeva. Unchecked, such buildups can cause periodontal disease, eventually decaying the gums and causing tooth loss. She is fastidious with brushing and flossing and has excellent teeth (no cavities, ever) but could still lose her teeth if this one issue wasn't cared for.

 

IMO, a good dentist or hygenist will educate the patient about issues such as this. Just ask. Our hygenist is a treasure trove of such information. Just a simple massaging of the gums every day has helped my gum health immensely, quantfied by the measuring of the gum 'pockets', as well as seen in x-rays. I use a pointed rubber tipped device called a dentigator to work areas flossing doesn't reach and to stimulate the gum tissues.

 

Both my parents had dentures and I saw how this affected their quality of life. I'd vastly prefer to take my own teeth to the grave if I can help it

[Ross PK]

It might be that the reason why a lot of older people now have dentures is because I think dental care wasn't that good in the old days.

 

I remember and old person telling me that during the war he had to clean his teeth with salt, as tooth paste was hard to afford because of rations and everything.

 

The best way, to try and avoid getting dentures when you're older is to cut down on sugar, brush your teeth everyday, always use mouth wash (the non alcoholic kind) after brushing, and go for a dental check up at least twice a year.

 

Scientists are now managing to grow teeth in labratories, so by the time you might need dentures you'll probably be able to get your own teeth grown from your DNA and implanted anyway. It may cost a fortune though, who knows.

Edited December 7, 2009 by Ross PK

[sb129]

Its quite rare for people to end up with full dentures these days.

I am a dentist and I haven't made a set for over a year, and if someone asked me to have all their teeth removed I would refuse unless there was absolutely no other option.

 

Research over the years have shown its better to preserve whats there and extraction of a tooth is usually a last resort treatment option.

 

Implants and other technology means there are better alternatives, although they are more expensive.

 

Genetics can play a part, but you can change your dental "destiny" by keeping your sugary and acidic food and drink intake down, using a fluoride containing toothpaste/ mouthwash, flossing or using interdental brushes, and maintaining six monthly checkups.

[carhill]

Yep, my parents provided me with excellent dental care from about 18 months onward and I've suffered none of the issues that they endured, so I'll presume it was due to care rather than genetics, as their childhood dental care was essentially non-existent, not uncommon in the teens and twenties and during the Depression.

 

Also, I found the quality of cleanings to vary markedly. Finding a good hygenist really has helped, both in the quality of care as well as practical advice received. I can thank my stbx for that.

 

Nice to hear a dentist's perspective. Thanks

[Angel1111]

Wow, thanks everyone. Your replies were excellent. And a dentist on top of it all! It makes me feel better to know that dentures are more rare these days. I was just watching a commercial the other day about denture paste and started thinking about this. Thanks again, everyone!