Most people associate dentists specifically with natural teeth, so if you have dentures, you might think you don’t need to visit one as often. However, other parts of your mouth need professional examination as well. In fact, there are a few specific reasons why your overall health depends on having regular checkups with a dentist about your dentures.

Why Should You Visit the Dentist if You Have Dentures?

1. Make Adjustments

With time, wear, or impact, dentures may become loose in your mouth, making it difficult to eat or speak. They may even fall out at inopportune moments. Loose or poorly fitted dentures can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, or even embarrassing, and they may even cause sleep apnea. Most importantly, however, they put you at a greater risk for developing oral cancer because they can trap alcohol, tobacco, or other substances against the gums, inflaming and damaging them. Regular visits to the dentist will let you make sure the dentures always fit properly.

2. Get Maintenance

Even when the dentures seem to fit in your mouth without a problem, they'll likely get a little worn out or even deformed over time. The dentist may need to repair issues that you don't notice. It’s also not unusual for dentures to accumulate hard mineral deposits that are best removed by a professional, preventing you from dealing with halitosis or gum infections. An occasional replacement for the dentures may also be important to maintain your oral health. The dentist could also give you advice for maintaining them better in the future.

3. Check Your Gums

The dentures may have replaced your natural teeth, but your gums still need a dentist's attention. The tissue may get worn down from supporting the dentures, which they were not naturally made to do. Your gums could also become infected due to the dentures squishing food particles, tobacco, or remnants of dental adhesive against them, so a thorough cleaning may be warranted. Healthy gums lowers the risk of heart disease and some cancers, and they can accommodate the dentures more easily.

For a comprehensive checkup for your dentures and mouth, see a dentist at the Dental Clinic of Onalaska in Wisconsin. They can also discuss other options for tooth replacements, such as dental implants or veneers. Learn more about their services by visiting their website, or call (608) 783-3341 to schedule an appointment today.