Can Younger People Get Dentures?

When most people think of dentures, they probably imagine an older person wearing them. While it’s true that people are more likely to wear dentures as they get older, there is no minimum age you have to be to get them. Younger people lose teeth due to accidents, illness, and lifestyle factors, and dentures can be a great way for many of them to enjoy having a full smile again.

Why Would a Younger Person Need Dentures?

Dentures are a non-surgical way to restore a compromised smile and allow a person with extensive tooth loss to chew a wide variety of foods. They can be used to replace one or many missing teeth. Young people can lose teeth for reasons like:

• Tooth decay: In some cases, a tooth can be so badly infected that a dentist has to extract it to prevent the bacteria from spreading to other parts of the mouth. Factors like poor oral hygiene and improper diet can lead to tooth decay.
• Gum disease: If gum disease is allowed to advance to the periodontitis stage, the infection can cause irreversible tissue damage as well as bone loss in the jaw. This can cause teeth to come loose and fall out. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
• Poor diet: Consuming too much food or drink that is rich in acid, sugar, or starch can erode the enamel of your teeth. Similarly, failing to consume the right amount of vitamins and minerals can harm the health of your gums. Both of these make tooth loss more likely.
• Health conditions: Underlying issues like diabetes or juvenile arthritis can make you more likely to lose teeth.
• Certain medications: If a medicine causes dry mouth, the lack of saliva flow can make teeth more vulnerable to injury and infection, increasing the risk of tooth loss.
• Teeth grinding: Many people grind their teeth when awake or when asleep as a stress response, which strains the teeth and the surrounding bones. If this problem goes untreated, teeth can be severely damaged and lost.
• Injury: Many young people lose teeth due to injuries sustained at sporting events. Always wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports.

How Do I Know if Dentures Are Right for Me?

Only your dentist can give you a definitive answer as to whether you are a good denture candidate. During your consultation, they will thoroughly inspect your mouth to assess its health and discuss your needs and preferences with you. Using the gathered information, they can formulate a treatment plan designed to fit your situation. Seeing your dentist can put you on the path to enjoying a complete smile again, regardless of your age.

About the Practice

Renaissance Dental provides the most excellent dental care that can be found in Fort Worth, TX. Led by Drs. Christopher Duong, John Kuan, Khoa Pham, and Jessica Chen, the staff delivers effective treatments and stunning results. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to denture services. To schedule a denture consultation, contact the office online or dial (817) 289-5200.