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Unfortunately, when we
age, it affects every part of our body, including our teeth. This
interpolates into many, many people who are now getting full or partial
dentures. The statistic is one in five adults, including
approximately half of the over-55 generation who have at least one
denture.
The reason is that we are all living longer. At the beginning of the
20th century, only 3% of the population was 65 or older. Now in the
year 2000, that age group accounts for 20 percent of the population.
Thus, our natural teeth are, as a consequence, required to last much
longer.
With our collective eating habits, many of us abuse our teeth and gum
tissues on a daily basis with everything from sugar rich sodas to candy
bars and chewing gum. Also many of us do not practice good dental
hygiene (brush, floss, and rinse) to maintain optimum oral health.
The result of our negligence is tooth decay. This resulting lack of
proper dental care develop into problems and sometimes the teeth must be
pulled (extracted). This action stimulates additional problems.
“In general, as long as the teeth are present in the jaws, the jawbone
stays intact. When the teeth are extracted, the jawbone begins to melt
away,” explains Dr. Keith A. Robinson, in his book, “Growing Older
With Your Teeth, Or Something Like Them.”1
A greater potential problem is "gum disease", which causes more
lost teeth than cavities. This is the reason behind the importance
of flossing, as is stated by Dr. Robinson, “It is the best way to
clean out the garbage that rests and decomposes between teeth.” He states,
“An old saying is used by dentists frequently…pick out the teeth you
want to keep and just floss them!”
Obviously, the best solution is to practice good dental hygiene and visit
your dentist regularly, because a dentist treats mouths, with or without
teeth. Also, in the event you are having problems, it is recommended
that you request your Dentist to help salvage your teeth and
avoid any extraction if at all possible. Although today's artificial
dentures are excellent, the very best denture isn’t likely to be
as good as what "Mother Nature" provided originally.
Investigate all alternatives prior to having any extraction performed:
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crown and bridge work |
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partials |
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precision attachments or implants
(when surgically placed implants support a dental restoration) |
Dentures are a compromise to having
your natural teeth. Discuss all options with your dentist, and
you may also seek a second opinion on your treatment options.
1 Keith A. Robinson, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.,
M.A.G.D., Growing Older With
Your Teeth Or Something Like Them,
Synergy Publishing, Inc.
1998. |
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