3 Reasons Patients with Full Dentures Still Need Regular Dental Checkups

If you’ve gone completely bald, going to a barber or hairdresser often feels unnecessary. It would be a waste of time and money! You may think the same concept applies to regular dental checkups and those who have full dentures, but you’d be wrong!

Even without any real teeth left in your mouth, your dentist still serves an important purpose for you and your health. Keep reading to learn three reasons why you should continue regular dental appointments with full dentures.

Teeth Aren’t the Only Important Element of Oral Health.

Although your teeth tend to get most of the spotlight in your mouth, they are far from being the only essential part. Your gums, jawbone, tongue, and cheeks deserve attention as well. Unfortunately, even without dentition, your mouth can become infected with serious conditions like gum disease, which has been repeatedly and closely connected with heart disease, Alzheimer’s, certain kinds of cancer, and kidney disease.

Seeing the dentist regularly gives them a chance to examine your gums for inflammation or irritation—before irreversible harm is done to your smile and your overall health.

Dentures Don’t Last Forever.

Although less expensive than implant dentures, traditional options typically have a shorter lifespan because the jawbone changes faster without tooth roots or implant posts to keep it stimulated. As a result, your dentures can feel loose within a relatively short time. In fact, semi-frequent adjustments with your dentist can maintain a comfortable fit over time. About every five years, your jaw structure may have changed enough that you need to get a new set to ensure you can bite and chew as efficiently as possible.

Oral Cancer Can Develop from Denture Sores.

As the sixth most common form of cancer, oral cancer is surprisingly deadly. Early detection and treatment generally end in success and survival, but most patients discover the disease in later stages, resulting in higher mortality rates. One of the main indicators of oral cancer is sores or oral wounds that take longer than two weeks to heal. If you get denture sores, keep an eye on them and see how long it takes for them to go away. However, if you continue to get checked out by your dentist regularly, they can also watch out for any signs of this sneaky cancer, helping your chances of survival.

Dentists are best known for treating teeth, but they are concerned about so much more, so don’t stop coming to their office every six months for checkups. They can ensure the long-term well-being of your smile and the rest of your body!

About the Author

Dr. Cline is a native to Idaho Falls and is thrilled to be serving his home community with essential health care. Every year, he completes significantly more continuing education coursework than the state requires and has diversified his training in all areas of general dentistry, allowing him to offer most services in one convenient office. Whether you need to schedule a routine checkup or complex treatment, contact Cline Family & Cosmetic Dental Care by calling 208-487-5987 or visiting the Contact Us page here.