How to Tell if You Need Dentures

Updated on September 6, 2023

Credit: Brett Sayles via Pexels

It’s not the most pleasant thing to think about, but many people will need dentures at some point in their life. Whether it’s due to old age, being in an accident, or oral health issues, many people rely on dentures to replace missing teeth. Dentures provide support when eating or talking and enhance people’s self-esteem. Losing teeth can tear down a person’s self-esteem because of the awkward feelings associated with an uneven smile. Some people don’t feel as attractive when there are gaps inside their mouth and find it challenging to smile or talk to others. 

Furthermore, having missing or damaged teeth can feel uncomfortable and even painful. You may qualify for replacement teeth. Do you think you’re a dentures candidate? Perhaps you’ve noticed a change in your oral health, such as pain in the mouth or swollen gums. If you’re experiencing at least one of the following symptoms, you’ll want to consult with your local denturist. 

Loose Teeth

Are your teeth noticeably shifting? It might be a sign that you need dentures. Loose teeth typically indicate tooth decay and may be a result of periodontal disease. There’s a lot more to teeth and gums than meets the eye — you can’t see what’s occurring under the gum line. There could be significant damage happening down there without you noticing it. Periodontal disease isn’t something to ignore. It will worsen if you don’t receive the proper treatment, and you’ll end up with more loose and missing teeth.

Swollen Gums

Painful, swollen gums are another sign you might have periodontal disease. Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? You may need to see a specialist about your oral health and consider the benefits of a fresh set of dentures for your mouth. 

Painful Toothache 

There’s nothing worse than a toothache that just won’t go away. The chronic pain from a toothache can be debilitating. Most toothaches are a consequence of tooth decay, but they can also result from:

  • A cracked or damaged tooth.
  • A dental abscess.
  • An infection.

In many cases, a professional will remove the tooth (or, depending on the severity, the teeth) because it will be beyond salvaging, and you’ll receive dental implants or dentures. 

Difficulty Digesting and Chewing Food

Do you often stick with soup when you go out to dinner because you don’t want to endure the pain of eating anything harder to chew? This is a sign that your teeth might have damage. Another indicator of damaged teeth is chronic indigestion. If your teeth are working to their full capacity, you’re likely taking larger bites, which can lead to stomach issues. If either of these examples sounds familiar, speak with your local denturist to learn about tooth replacement options.

Missing Teeth

A more obvious reason for needing dentures is missing teeth. You may have lost teeth playing sports, in an accident, or due to poor oral health. Your best bet is to speak with a denturist to learn about the different types of dentures. They’ll make you feel like a whole new person with a beautiful, fresh smile. 

New full denture sets could change your life for the better. Soon, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear, happily and pain-free. 

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.