subject: Dentures For Your Health [print this page] When a person has lost several teeth, dentures can be the answer to replacing the missing oral structures. Having replacement teeth isn't just about appearance. It's also important for one's physical, emotional and mental health. When a person has multiple gaps due to tooth loss because of accidents, dental decay, gum disease or genetic predisposition, the rest of the surrounding teeth become less stable. Chances are that more oral structures will be lost due to the instability. Here are some things to think about regarding getting dentures:
Three points of well-being:
-Physical health: Having false teeth made will improve a person's physical well-being for several reasons. Without a full set of choppers, eating becomes more difficult. A person may avoid eating foods that require grinding, tearing and chewing. Instead, he or she may opt for overly processed foods such as refined products that lack nutrients. Some of the healthiest foods are fresh veggies, fruits, multi-grain breads and lean proteins, all of which require significant mastication action. Without the ability to grind, tear, chew and masticate, individuals may become malnourished and prone to disease. Not only that, processed foods lack fiber which is necessary to prevent intestinal distress and colon cancer.
-Emotional health: When we are ashamed of the way we look, it beats up self esteem and wreaks emotional havoc. People may smile less because of trying to hide dental gaps and because they aren't as happy. Because they aren't as confident about eating meals with others, conversing freely and laughing, their social ties are weakened. Humans are social beings who need this contact for strong emotional well-being.
-Mental health: When a person doesn't feel well because of malnutrition, digestive ills, and lack of social ties, his or her mental well-being will suffer. Depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses are linked to all of the above.
The process of getting dentures:
-Early steps: During the early stages of getting a dental prosthetic, a patient will need to have the remaining teeth removed. This will make way for either the conventional or immediate method for creating the patients' false choppers. The conventional procedure allows for healing after the remaining teeth are pulled before measurements are taken for the prosthetic. This allows for a good fit but will require the patient to go toothless for a period of time. With the immediate type, the devices are made right away so no toothless period will be required. The downside is that the apparatus might not fit as well as the conventional sort.
-Maintenance: After a patient has his or her new set made, it will take a bit of practice for speaking and eating. Eventually, all of this will be taken in stride after adaptation occurs. The tongue, palette and gums will still need to be brushed and dental appointments for exams are still required.
Once a patient has gotten dentures, he or she will notice increasing well-being in physical, emotional and mental health. The maintenance of the mouth's structures and cleaning of the false choppers will soon become as routine as brushing the original teeth.
