What do you think when you hear the word ‘dentures’? Most people think of Grandma’s teeth floating around in a glass of water on the nightstand. But, you’ll be surprised to know that dentures aren’t only for the elderly.
There are many reasons that someone – young or otherwise – may need dentures in their lifetime. Australians spend over $5.8 billion on out-of-pocket dentistry expenses annually, and part of that cost is replacing missing teeth. Whether you’ve lost one tooth or 20, you might benefit from a full or partial set of dentures. In fact, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, people between 15 to 34, have an average of 4.5 decayed, missing or filled teeth. This number jumps to 14.4 teeth for people between 35 to 54. That’s quite a few trips to the dentist, considering an adult has 32 teeth.
Dental trauma
Dental trauma can occur when there’s an injury to the teeth, bone, or gums – this includes cracked, chipped, fractured or even broken teeth.
So what causes dental trauma? Everything thing from sporting injuries, lip or tongue piercings, falling over or running into things to changes in barometric pressure (scuba divers and pilots, we’re looking at you!) In cases like these, a prosthodontist may recommend dental crowns and dental bridges. In other cases, depending on the state of surrounding teeth, and other factors, removable partial dentures may be required to restore a smile.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay is the softening and wearing down of the enamel, which is the white outer coating of the teeth. Australians aged 15 years and over have an average of 12.8 decayed teeth. This is skewed leftward, with people aged 75 and over losing an average of 24.3 of their 32 teeth.
Poor oral hygiene, bacteria, plaque, and even eating and drinking can lead to tooth decay. Sugary and starchy foods leave residue on the teeth until they’re next brushed. When decay-causing bacteria comes into contact with this residue, it forms an acid and begins to wear down the enamel. Some foods, such as tomatoes, are naturally acidic and can do harm to the enamel immediately.
Tooth decay can also appear in the form of a cavity, known as dental caries. In some cases, serious tooth decay can lead to pulp necrosis – ultimately a dead tooth – which will often require a tooth extraction or root canal by a dentist.
Depending on how many teeth are removed, and how healthy surrounding gum and bone is, your dental technician may suggest dentures.
And, it’s not just kids or overweight people who may suffer from tooth decay due to diet. A study into the oral health of elite athletes by University College London published in Science Daily revealed that athletes brush up to 19 per cent more frequently than the average person, and floss more than twice as much. Despite their good hygiene habits, the average athlete has poor oral health thanks to energy dense drinks, bars, and gels, which are known to damage teeth.
Gum disease
Gum disease is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene, though health conditions such as thyroid problems, immune system issues, and even stress, can contribute.
Gum disease exists in three main stages: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. A study by the Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health, The University of Adelaide, showed that 20 per cent of Australians have gingivitis or worse.
Many people with gingivitis aren’t aware that they have it. Symptoms include sore gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, and bad breath that won’t go away. Left untreated, gingivitis may progress into periodontitis. When you reach the periodontitis stage, your gums may be irreversibly damaged. In fact, your gums may form pockets that hold plaque, which in some cases, can speed up tooth decay.
Advanced cases of this disease can lead to tooth loss, among other painful and uncomfortable symptoms. Gum disease is one of the primary causes of tooth loss in adults. Restorative treatments may include implants, crowns, bridges, removable partial dentures, or even full dentures.
Keep your dentures hygienic and secure with Dr Mark’s HyGenie
No matter why you wear dentures, it’s time to take cleaning them seriously. We know that poor denture hygiene can cause more damage to your teeth and gums, so it’s no question that cleaning your complete or partial dentures is just as important as cleaning your real teeth.
With 14.5 per cent of Australians wearing one form of denture or another, it’s no wonder more and more people are looking forward to the release of Dr Mark’s HyGenie for an easy, convenient solution to their daily denture-cleaning needs.
Switch to cleaner, safer and healthier dentures today by shopping the Dr Mark’s HyGenie range for dentures. Plus, benefit from free shipping in February by using the code ‘SHIPFREE’ in the checkout.
