Our dental care is closely tied to our overall health. That fact remains throughout a person’s life.

It isn’t uncommon for elderly people to eventually need dentures. The denture market is projected to reach $1.82 billion this year. Approximately 43 million Americans wear dentures.

The average age of people who wear dentures is around 45, including partial and full sets. Older adults are significantly more likely to need dentures than people in their 40s and under.

Wearing dentures doesn’t mean that you no longer need to worry about your oral health. All senior citizens should continue making regular dentist appointments to monitor changes or issues.

Needing Dentures Means Needing Dental Care

If you need dentures, then that likely means you need dental care. Seniors don’t remove their teeth for no reason once they reach a certain age. This can occur at different stages of life and is the result of tooth damage or illness.

What signs should you look for that indicate it may be time to talk to your dentist about dentures?

• Teeth are Loose or Shifting

Advanced gum disease can cause teeth to loosen or shift in your mouth. You may notice widening gaps between teeth. If the damage is severe enough, your dentist may recommend extraction to prevent discomfort and infection.

• You Experience Chronic Tooth Pain

Your teeth shouldn’t bother you every day. If you experience chronic tooth pain, this is a sign that something is wrong. Whether it is focused on one part of your mouth or your whole mouth, schedule a dentist visit right away.

• Your Gums are Swollen or Bleeding

Gum irritation is a sign of gingivitis and periodontal disease. If your gums feel swollen and tender, look red, or bleed often, you need to speak with your dentist.

The early stages of gum disease can sometimes be reversed. You may need a professional cleaning and a better at-home oral care routine. If you do not take these steps early on, gum disease can progress to tooth and bone loss.

• You Have Trouble Eating Some Foods

Changes in oral health can make some foods difficult to eat. If you have discomfort due to pain, tooth damage, or gum irritation, this is a sign that you need to consult a dentist. Dentures may be recommended, depending on the severity of the problem.

• Indigestion Has Become a Bigger Issue

Tooth problems can lead to an increase in indigestion. Damaged or infected teeth and gums make eating uncomfortable. When this happens, a patient may not chew their food as much as they should, which forces their digestive system to work harder. This can lead to more frequent incidents of indigestion.

• You Feel Self-Conscious About Your Smile

Many people struggle with self-esteem when their teeth begin to deteriorate. If you have been hiding your smile more often, it may be time to consider full or partial dentures.

• You Are Already Missing Teeth

Patients who are missing one or more teeth may need a partial denture to prevent putting excess pressure on the remaining teeth. Not doing so can cause teeth to wear prematurely or shift into gaps.

If you notice changes or discomfort in your mouth, you should seek a dental consultation. Residents at Pinnacle Peak Assisted Living Home should speak to a staff member to schedule an appointment.

What Can a Dentist Do for Denture Patients?

If you don’t have any teeth left in your mouth, what can a dentist do for you? The answer is a lot. Oral health doesn’t start and stop with teeth. It encompasses the insides of the mouth and tongue. It refers to the entire stomatognathic system, or all structures used to chew, swallow, speak, and make facial expressions.

What can a dentist do for a senior with full dentures?

• They can look for signs of major health conditions like cancer and diabetes
• They can refer patients to a specialist when they see signs of a medical condition
• They can adjust dentures to accommodate gum and jaw changes that occur over time
• They can monitor your oral hygiene and make recommendations as needed

Talk to staff at your senior community to learn more about dental care options for elderly patients. You can also learn more about the 7 ways that your assisted living community keeps you healthy. Working with staff will help you take better care of your oral health as well as your general wellness.

Signs that You Need to See a Dentist Despite Wearing Dentures

The need to wear dentures often stems from illness or injury. Considering that these are health concerns, it’s easy to see why ongoing check-ups are needed. You may have removed the teeth causing discomfort, but you could still have an infection or other concerns hiding under the surface.

What signs should you look for that indicate it’s time to see a dentist despite wearing dentures?

• Sore Spots in Your Mouth

If you keep feeling sore spots in your mouth, this could indicate that your dentures are rubbing somewhere that they shouldn’t be. Along with causing discomfort, constant damage can eventually lead to an infection if not treated and prevented.

Your dentures may not fit correctly. An adjustment could help stop the issue and give you a more comfortable fit.

• Difficulty Eating, Chewing, or Speaking

Dentures have a direct impact on eating, chewing, and speaking. If you have difficulty doing any of these, it’s time to visit the dentist. It could be a sign that your dentures are not fitted properly.

This could also be an indication of an underlying health issue. Scheduling a dental appointment is the best way to figure out what’s going on.

• Visible Damage to Dentures

Dentures are generally built to last for years, but they aren’t indestructible. They can become damaged due to regular wear, an improper fit, or if they are dropped while cleaning.

Wearing damaged dentures can put stress on parts of your mouth. Sore spots can appear. You also may not have the even pressure needed to chew and speak. You should seek out a dental professional to repair dentures and get them back to fully functioning condition.

• General Soreness or Pain in the Jaw

If you experience general soreness or pain in your jaw, you may have improperly fit dentures or a medical issue. If your dentures cannot evenly distribute pressure when in use, this can cause Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.

• Dentures That Shift or Slip

Your dentures should sit firmly in your mouth. They should not slip or shift while in use. This can occur over time. A set of dentures that once fit snugly may suddenly feel loose because the wearer’s mouth shape has changed. A refit is needed to correct the issue.

• Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away

Bad breath isn’t just embarrassing. It’s also a sign that something is wrong. If you have persistent bad breath, despite keeping your mouth clean, you may have a gum infection. Food and bacteria can become trapped under dentures and cause bad breath.

Your dentist can recommend a better cleaning routine or provide treatment in case of an infection.

Managing Dental Visits in Assisted Living

One of the benefits of living in an assisted living community is the extra support residents receive. These facilities provide services to help residents manage their healthcare and doctors’ appointments, like scheduling and transportation.

If you plan to move into a community, ask if they provide this level of support. You should also find out what questions should you ask when touring an assisted living community.

Knowing that support is available when you have oral health concerns will reduce stress and give you the tools needed to keep your mouth healthy and free of pain.