Living with Dentures in San Antonio When You’re Young

Wearing dentures in San Antonio can be part of an active and healthy lifestyle, no matter how old you are. This is important to remember, as more and more young people are discovering the benefits of denture therapy.

When It Comes to Dentures, the Times Are Changing

When most people think of dentures, they picture placid retirees living in a state of permanent leisure. But this image is only partially accurate. In reality, tooth loss can strike at any age. Some of the more common causes of this problem include:

• Gastric disorders. Acid reflux is the best-known example.
• Hereditary factors. Some of us are born with a genetic predisposition towards early tooth loss.
• Disease Symptoms. For example, people with the condition ectodermal dysplasia often have undeveloped or irregularly spaced teeth.
• Blunt force trauma. This includes injuries to the teeth or mouth.
• Lifestyle factors. These can include dietary choices, lack of regular dental hygiene, and use of alcohol or illicit drugs.

For younger people struggling with tooth loss, dentures are a way to regain much of the functionality they have lost. The challenge is knowing how to adjust to the restoration and use it in daily life.

 Living with Dentures When You’re Young

Here are some tips for making the transition to dentures as smooth as possible:

• Give it time. At first, your body will react to the restoration as something new and different. This is all part of the adjustment phase.
• Practice. Eating, speaking, and performing other daily tasks require a little added effort at first. Ask a friend or family member to help you develop the skills you need.
• Talk to your dentist. He or she can provide valuable insight into the issues you’re facing.

Going Forward with Your Life

No matter what caused your tooth loss, you now have the opportunity to live the rest of your life on your own terms. Here are some tips for making the most of what’s ahead:

• Have a nutritional game plan. Sweets and simple starches are fine as occasional treats. But the bulk of your diet should consist of lean meats or other protein sources, healthy whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Calcium is important as well. You can get plenty of this essential mineral from reduced-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt.
• Stay active. Regular exercise, sports participation, or just a daily walk are all great ways to stay in shape.
• Avoid tobacco and babying products. Not only can they harm your body, they can discolor your dentures, making them more obvious to yourself and to others.

Should You Consider Implant Supported Dentures?

Modern implant-supported dentures are an exciting alternative to traditional approaches. They offer the following advantages:

• No messy adhesives. The restoration is supported by a series of small, lightweight titanium posts embedded in your jaw bone.
• Security. Implant-supported dentures can never accidentally come loose.
• Convenience. With implant-supported dentures, you can eat all the food you love, engage in vigorous physical activities, and lead an active social life.
• Attractive appearance. Implant-supported dentures are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
• Ease of care. Simply remove the restoration at night for cleaning, just as you would with traditional dentures. Of course, you should follow any other recommendations your dentist makes for safeguarding your oral health.

Getting dentures when you’re young is not the end of the world. Use the tips in this post to create a bright and happy future for yourself as you move forward. We wish you all the best.

About the Author

Dr. Selsa Adham Gonzalez is an honors graduate of McGill University, Canada’s top school for dental education. She has also completed post-doctoral training in implant therapy and other restorative techniques. You can reach her office online or by calling (210) 804-1558.