When to Consider Getting Dentures

Many people think that dentures are only for senior citizens, but the truth is that they can be necessary sooner in life as well. 53% of denture wearers were 44 years old or younger when they first started wearing dentures, according to a Biting into Denture Care Survey. If you practice good oral hygiene, you may never have to consider getting dentures. However, it is still important to know the signs that they might be needed.

Six signs you should consider getting dentures are:

1. You Do Not Routinely Visit the Dentist

Bi-annual visits to the dentist are a crucial part of oral hygiene. Regular visits allow your dentist to keep an eye on any changes in your teeth and gums. Health problems are more easily corrected when they are detected early. If you wait too long to fix them, cavities can progress to the point of requiring tooth extraction, which is the first sign that dentures might be necessary. 

2. There Are Gaps Between Your Teeth

Gaps in your teeth can be an indication of a deeper problem. Loose or shifting teeth are a sign of advanced periodontal (gum) disease, as well as bone loss. Dentists call this the “silent killer” because it is not always apparent on the surface. If you have too many loose teeth that need to be extracted, dentures might become a reality for you. 

3. You Have Chronic Toothaches

Severe tooth pain is often an indication that decay has progressed to the point of nerve damage. If caught early, a filling or root canal can be enough to treat the problem. If the decay reaches an advanced state, however, teeth may need to be removed. Replacing the teeth with dental implants or partial dentures might also be needed.

4. Your Gums Are Inflamed or Bleeding

Red, swollen, tender, or irritated gums are the main signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease. In its early stages, gum disease can be reversed by carefully brushing your teeth and visiting the dentist for regular cleanings. If it is left untreated for too long, however, it can damage the structure of your teeth and progress to the point of bone or tooth loss. At this point, full dentures will be required. 

5. You Have Missing Teeth

People with one or more missing teeth put more strain on their remaining teeth, wearing them down prematurely and increasing their risk of losing more teeth in the future. To prevent this, dentists recommend replacing them with implants or dentures to relieve excessive pressure. This is also an option for those that have had teeth knocked out during sports injuries or automobile accidents.

6. You Have Difficulty Chewing

Having trouble eating hard or chewy foods can be a result of missing or cracked teeth, cavities, or gum disease, all of which can be prevented with early detection. While it is possible to have an individual tooth treated to remedy chewing pains, dentures might be the best option if these problems get too severe.

Restore Your Smile

Missing teeth can have a big impact on your daily life and self-confidence. At Smith Dentalworks, it is our goal to restore your smile and improve your oral health. We will work with you to determine which type of dentures will be the best fit.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Most Common Signs of Sleep Apnea

An estimated 22 million Americans have sleep apnea, with 80% of cases going undiagnosed each year. If left untreated, this disorder can increase the likelihood of serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes. Knowing the common signs of sleep apnea can help you reach a diagnosis and avoid the negative consequences. 

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders, in which a person starts and stops breathing repeatedly throughout the night. Obstructive and central are the two main types of sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form and occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep. Central sleep apnea is caused when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. A third type, complex sleep apnea, is a combination of the two.

Symptoms

Undiagnosed sleep apnea presents itself in a variety of different ways.

A few of the most common signs of both obstructive and central sleep apnea are:

  • Morning headaches
  • Waking up with a dry mouth
  • Insomnia 
  • Changes in mood, such as irritability 
  • Trouble focusing while awake 
  • Decreased libido
  • Dizziness 
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Frequent urination throughout the night, including bedwetting  
  • Forgetfulness 
  • Excessive night sweating

Other symptoms of sleep apnea might not be apparent to you because they occur during sleep. 

Those you share your household with may have noticed some of the following signs:

  • Snoring
  • Gasping for air
  • Choking 
  • Pauses in breathing for up to 10 seconds at a time

Risk Factors

Anyone can be diagnosed with sleep apnea, but certain risk factors can increase your likelihood, including gender. Men are 2-3 times more likely to have this disorder than women.

Other risk factors include:

  • Obesity. Large fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct breathing.
  • Family history. Having other family members with sleep apnea increases your risk.
  • Medical conditions. Conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and heart failure can lead to sleep apnea. The risk of these health problems is also increased by the disorder.
  • Smoking. Smoking causes inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, which can affect breathing.
  • Older age. Both the likelihood and severity of sleep apnea increase with age.
  • Physical abnormalities. Abnormalities of the nose, throat, or upper airway can inhibit breathing.
  • Neck circumference. People with thicker necks tend to have more narrow airways.
  • Complications

Sleep apnea increases the likelihood of other complications like high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. It is also linked to irregular heartbeats and heart failure. 

Other negative health effects from untreated sleep apnea are:

  • Headaches
  • Memory problems
  • Weight gain
  • Chronic fatigue 

When You Should See a Doctor

While loud snoring is one of the signs of sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has this sleep disorder. People with sleep apnea tend to snore the loudest when they sleep on their backs. In addition to snoring, some of the signs of sleep apnea overlap with other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy. If you notice any of the above symptoms, talk to your doctor. 

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Oro Valley

The first step in treating sleep apnea is reaching a diagnosis. At Smith Dentalworks, we collaborate with other professionals to assist those diagnosed with sleep apnea in creating a custom treatment plan.

For more information on how Smith Dentalworks can relieve your sleep apnea symptoms, contact us today.