Smile Makeover: Transforming Your Teeth with Dental Bonding

Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you, and it plays a crucial role in making a positive first impression. However, not everyone is born with a perfect set of teeth. If you're unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, dental bonding can be a game-changer for you. In this blog, we will explore the incredible transformation that dental bonding can bring to your smile and how it can help you achieve the beautiful, confident grin you've always dreamed of.

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the tooth's surface. This resin is carefully shaped and polished to improve the tooth's appearance, whether it's for repairing minor imperfections or purely for cosmetic enhancement. It's a versatile and minimally invasive solution to a variety of dental issues, and it can be completed in just one dental visit.

How Dental Bonding Works

• Consultation: The first step in any smile makeover journey is to consult with your dentist. During this consultation, you can discuss your concerns and what you'd like to achieve with dental bonding. Your dentist will examine your teeth and determine if bonding is the right solution for you.
  
  
• Tooth Preparation: In most cases, dental bonding doesn't require any anesthesia, as it's a painless and non-invasive procedure. The dentist will roughen the tooth's surface slightly and apply a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere securely.
  
  
• Application: The tooth-colored resin is carefully applied to the tooth. Your dentist will mold and shape the resin to achieve the desired shape and appearance, addressing any issues such as gaps, chips, or discoloration.
  
  
• Bonding and Curing: A special light is used to harden the resin material. This process typically takes only a few minutes per tooth. Once the material is set, your dentist will make any necessary final adjustments and polish the bonded teeth to a natural shine.
  
  

Common Dental Issues Addressed by Bonding

Dental bonding can effectively address various cosmetic concerns, including:

• Gaps between teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Stained or discolored teeth
• Irregularly shaped teeth
• Teeth that appear too short
• Minor misalignments
  
  

Benefits of Dental Bonding

• Quick and Convenient: Dental bonding is a swift procedure that can often be completed in a single office visit, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
  
  
• Minimally Invasive: Unlike other cosmetic procedures like veneers, dental bonding typically requires minimal to no removal of the tooth's natural structure.
  
  
• Affordable: Dental bonding is generally more cost-effective than some other cosmetic dentistry procedures.
  
  
• Natural Appearance: The resin used in bonding can be color-matched to your existing teeth, providing a seamless and natural look.
  
  
• Improved Confidence: A transformed smile can boost your self-esteem and confidence, helping you put your best foot forward in social and professional situations.
  
  

Maintenance and Longevity

While dental bonding is durable, it is not as long-lasting as some other cosmetic dentistry options like crowns or veneers. On average, it can last between 3 to 10 years, depending on factors like oral hygiene, eating habits, and the extent of bonding. Regular dental check-ups and proper care, such as avoiding habits like biting your nails or using your teeth to open packages, can extend the lifespan of your bonded teeth.

A smile makeover with dental bonding can be a life-changing experience. It's a quick, cost-effective, and minimally invasive way to address a range of dental issues and achieve the smile of your dreams. If you're unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, consult with your dentist to determine if dental bonding is the right solution for you. With this transformative procedure, you can confidently show off your new, radiant smile to the world.

The Benefits of Dental Implants for Senior Citizens

As we age, our dental health can decline, leading to tooth loss and a variety of other oral health issues. Dental implants offer numerous benefits for senior citizens who may be dealing with the effects of aging on their oral health. Here are some of the benefits of dental implants for senior citizens:

Improved Chewing and Speech:

Missing teeth can make it challenging to chew and speak properly, affecting overall quality of life. Dental implants can help restore proper function, allowing seniors to enjoy their favorite foods and speak clearly.

Improved Jawbone Health:

Tooth loss can lead to bone loss in the jaw, which can cause further oral health problems. Dental implants can help stimulate bone growth, keeping the jawbone healthy and strong.

Improved Appearance:

Missing teeth can affect one's appearance and lead to a loss of confidence. Dental implants can help restore a natural-looking smile, improving overall appearance and self-esteem.

Improved Comfort:

Dental implants are a comfortable and permanent solution to tooth loss, eliminating the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional dentures.

Improved Oral Health:

Dental implants are easy to clean and maintain, promoting good oral hygiene and reducing the risk of further dental problems.

Improved Overall Health:

Poor dental health has been linked to numerous overall health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. By improving oral health with dental implants, seniors can help reduce the risk of these and other health issues.

Dental implants offer numerous benefits for senior citizens who may be dealing with the effects of aging on their dental health. From improved chewing and speech to better jawbone health and overall health, dental implants are a comfortable, permanent solution to tooth loss that can significantly improve seniors' quality of life. If you are a senior citizen dealing with tooth loss, talk to your dentist about dental implants as a potential solution.

How cosmetic dentistry can improve your self-esteem and confidence

Your smile is often the first thing that people notice about you, and it can have a big impact on your self-esteem and confidence. If you're unhappy with the appearance of your smile, it can be difficult to feel confident in social situations or at work. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help improve the appearance of your smile and boost your self-esteem and confidence. Here's how cosmetic dentistry can help.

• Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening can help remove stains and discoloration, making your smile brighter and more youthful. A brighter smile can make you feel more confident and outgoing, and it can help you make a great first impression.
  
  
• Dental Veneers: Dental veneers can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic issues, such as chips, cracks, and gaps between teeth. Veneers can help improve the appearance of your smile and boost your confidence, as you'll no longer feel self-conscious about your teeth.
  
  
• Invisalign: Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces, and it can help straighten teeth without the need for metal brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners are clear and removable, making them a discreet and convenient option for adults who want to improve the appearance of their smile.
  
  
• Dental Implants: Dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth, and they look and function like natural teeth. Dental implants can help restore your confidence and make you feel better about your smile.

Cosmetic dentistry can have a big impact on your self-esteem and confidence. Whether you're looking to whiten your teeth, straighten your smile, or replace missing teeth, there are a variety of cosmetic dental procedures that can help improve the appearance of your smile and boost your confidence. Talk to your dentist about your options for cosmetic dentistry, and start feeling more confident and outgoing today!

What to Expect During Dental Implant Surgery Recovery

Dental implant surgery is a common and effective procedure for replacing missing teeth. Like any surgical procedure, there is a recovery period following the surgery. Here's what to expect during the dental implant surgery recovery process.

Immediately Following Surgery:

After the dental implant surgery, it's normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. Your dentist will provide you with specific instructions on how to manage these symptoms, including pain medication, ice packs, and rest.

The First Few Days:

The first few days following surgery are typically the most uncomfortable. You may need to stick to a soft food diet and avoid hot and cold foods and drinks. It's also important to avoid smoking or using tobacco products, which can slow down the healing process.

The First Week:

After the first few days, you may notice a decrease in discomfort and swelling. However, it's important to continue following your dentist's instructions for caring for your dental implants, including brushing and flossing gently and avoiding strenuous exercise or physical activity.

The First Few Months:

Over the next few months, your dental implants will gradually integrate with the surrounding bone and tissue, creating a strong and stable foundation for your replacement teeth. During this time, you may need to avoid hard or crunchy foods that can put too much pressure on your dental implants.

Long-Term Recovery:

After your dental implants have fully integrated and your replacement teeth have been placed, it's important to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits to maintain the health of your dental implants. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can also help identify any issues with your implants early on and prevent further damage.

The dental implant surgery recovery process can vary depending on the individual and the specific procedure. By following your dentist's instructions and taking care of your dental implants, you can ensure a successful and comfortable recovery and enjoy the benefits of a restored smile.

Cosmetic dentistry for seniors: How older adults can benefit from dental makeovers

Cosmetic dentistry isn't just for young adults looking to improve their smiles. In fact, older adults can benefit just as much from dental makeovers. As we age, our teeth and gums undergo changes that can affect the appearance of our smile. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help address these changes and improve the overall appearance of a smile. Here's how older adults can benefit from cosmetic dentistry.

• Teeth Whitening: Teeth can become discolored or stained over time, making them look yellow or gray. Teeth whitening can help remove these stains and brighten the smile. Many older adults opt for teeth whitening as a way to rejuvenate their smile and achieve a more youthful appearance.
  
  
• Dental Implants: Missing teeth can be a common problem for older adults, and dental implants can provide a permanent solution. Dental implants look and function like natural teeth, and they can help restore confidence and improve the overall appearance of a smile.
  
  
• Dentures: For older adults who are missing several teeth, dentures can provide a more affordable solution than dental implants. Dentures can be customized to fit the individual's mouth, and they can improve the appearance of the smile while also restoring function to the mouth.
  
  
• Veneers: Veneers can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic issues, such as chips, cracks, and stains. They can also be used to fill in gaps between teeth and improve the overall appearance of the smile.

Cosmetic dentistry isn't just for young adults. Older adults can benefit just as much from dental makeovers, as cosmetic dentistry can help address the changes that occur in the teeth and gums over time. From teeth whitening to dental implants, dentures, and veneers, there are a variety of cosmetic dental procedures that can help seniors achieve a more youthful, confident smile. If you're an older adult who is looking to improve the appearance of your smile, talk to your dentist about your options for cosmetic dentistry.

Different types of fillings and restorations

Nowadays, thanks to advances in dental techniques and materials, patients have a much wider range of choices when they have to repair missing, worn, damaged or decayed teeth.

For example, materials such as ceramics and polymer compounds that look more like natural teeth help dentists create pleasing, natural-looking smiles.

The traditional materials such as gold, base metal alloys and dental amalgam are still widely used as they have many advantages.

The strength and durability of traditional dental materials continues to make them useful in many situations. For example, they are good when fillings are required in the back teeth because the pressure of chewing is high in that area.

The choice of the best option will depend on several factors such as the patient’s oral and general health, where and how the filling is placed and the number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth.

The choice about which option is best depends on each individual’s needs so you should discuss the options with your dentist.

Common mouth sores: causes and cures

Mouth sores can be very annoying and painful and can have many causes.

The causes can range from infections – bacterial, viral or fungal – to a loose orthodontic wire or a denture that doesn’t fit or a sharp edge from a broken tooth or filling.

But mouth sores may be symptoms of an underlying disease or problem.

So, if you’ve had any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer, it’s a good idea to get your dentist to check it out.

Here are some of the most common mouth sores:

• Canker sores: These are small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. They appear inside the mouth and are not contagious though they often return. Problems such as poor immune systems, viruses or fatigue and stress may be involved. They usually heal on their own after a week or two.
  
  
• Cold sores: Cold sores are annoying and painful. They are also known as fever blisters or Herpes simplex and are groups of fluid-filled blisters. They often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores caused by herpes virus type 1 are very contagious and the virus stays in the body. Cold sore blisters usually heal in a week by themselves.
  
  
• Candidiasis: This fungal infection (also called moniliasis or oral thrush) occurs when the yeast Candida albicans reproduce in large numbers. It is common among denture wearers and people who have dry mouth syndrome are very susceptible to it. The focus is on preventing it or controlling the conditions that caused the outbreak.

Any mouth sores that last more than a few days should be checked with your dentist.

Is it safe to have an X-ray while pregnant?

Some women worry about whether it’s safe to have an X-ray exam while they are pregnant.

This can cause them to put off treatment they need.

However, untreated dental infections can pose a risk to the fetus, and dental treatment may be necessary to maintain the health of the mother and child. Sometimes this will mean an X-ray is necessary.

Radiation from dental X-rays is extremely low but every precaution is taken to minimize radiation exposure.

For example, a leaded apron reduces exposure to the abdomen and should be used when a dental radiograph is taken.

In addition, a leaded thyroid collar can protect the thyroid from radiation, and should be used whenever possible. The use of a leaded thyroid collar is strongly recommended for women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children.

Overall there is no reason to avoid dental radiographs (X-rays) while pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant.

Follow your dentist’s advice and ask questions if you have any concerns.

How sedation and general anesthesia can make your visit to the dentist easier

While local anesthetics are often used in dental treatment, there is sometimes a need for anti-anxiety agents – such as nitrous oxide – or sedatives to help people relax during dental visits.

Dentists may use these agents to induce “minimal or moderate sedation”.

In this case, the patient reaches a relaxed state during treatment but can respond to speech or touch.

Sedatives can be administered before, during or after dental procedures by mouth, inhalation or injection.

More complex treatments may require drugs that can induce “deep sedation”.

This reduces consciousness and causes a loss of feeling which helps to reduce both pain and anxiety.

Sometimes patients undergo “general anesthesia” where the drugs lead to a temporary loss of consciousness.

A dentist may recommend deep sedation or general anesthesia for certain procedures with children or with adults who have severe anxiety or for people who have difficulty controlling their movements.

While these techniques to control pain and anxiety are used to treat tens of millions of patients safely every year, it’s important that you let your dentist know anything that might affect your ability to benefit from them for example, tell them about any illnesses or health conditions, whether you are taking any medications and if you’ve had any problems with allergic reactions to medications.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health

Oral health is not only essential for maintaining a beautiful smile but also for overall health and well-being. Studies have shown that there is a strong connection between oral health and overall health, which means that neglecting your oral health can lead to serious health problems. In this blog, we will discuss the connection between oral health and overall health.

• Oral health and cardiovascular disease

Research has shown that people with gum disease are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, leading to inflammation and other cardiovascular problems.

• Oral health and diabetes

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, and gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels. Additionally, people with gum disease may have a harder time managing their diabetes.

• Oral health and respiratory problems

Poor oral health can also lead to respiratory problems, such as pneumonia. When bacteria in the mouth are inhaled into the lungs, they can cause infections and inflammation.

• Oral health and pregnancy

Pregnant women with gum disease may be at a higher risk of delivering premature or low birth weight babies. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can make gum disease worse.

• Taking care of your oral health

Taking care of your oral health is essential for maintaining overall health and preventing serious health problems. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, using mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly. Additionally, a healthy diet that is low in sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help prevent dental problems.

The connection between oral health and overall health is clear. Neglecting your oral health can lead to serious health problems, while taking care of your teeth and gums can help prevent a host of health problems. Remember, a healthy mouth is an important part of a healthy body.

Why your routine dental cleaning is not routine

For many patients, the dental cleaning appointment may seem little more than a more complicated version of brushing your teeth.

However, this appoinment plays a crucial role in patient education and prevention of dental disease.

The appointment is called a dental prophylaxis, or prophy and it’s one of the most important steps in your dental care program.

Here are some of the elements that it may include, depending on your needs:

– Oral hygiene evaluation

– Tooth brushing and flossing instructions

– Scaling above the gum to remove plaque and tartar

– Debridement of tartar beneath the gum

– Polishing the teeth

– Periodontal charting

It’s important to remove plaque from the teeth as it ultimately forms a hard, rough sediment known as tartar or calculus, which must be removed by a dental professional to help prevent periodontal disease.

Polishing the teeth removes stains and creates a feeling of fresh breath and a clean mouth.

The hygienist or dentist may recommend a prophylaxis visit every two to six months.

Although insurance may only cover two prophies a year, recall frequency depends on many factors and should be based on individual needs.

These appointments can help you have much better dental health and could save you a great deal of time and money in the long run.

How dental implants can give you a better smile

If you have missing teeth, you dont just have to rely on crowns, conventional bridges and dentures.

Many people are now choosing dental implants as the best way to restore their smile and solve dental problems.

Implants are placed below the gums during a series of appointments. They fuse to the jawbone and provide a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture.

As they are fused to the bone, they offer greater stability. And, because they are integrated into your jaw, your replacement teeth will feel more natural.

This secure fit often also makes them more comfortable than other solutions.

In order to have implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant.

To find out whether you could be a candidate for dental implants, talk to your dentist about what they could do for you.

The causes of bad breath

Bad breath – also known as halitosis – is an unpleasant condition that can cause a great deal of embarrassment.

And, for many people, its made even worse by the fact they don’t even know that they have it.

There are many possible causes for bad breath so, if you think you might have the problem, talk to your dentist.

What you eat affects what you breathe out. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor and even dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.

If you don’t brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath.

Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia) which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases.

One of the reasons why its especially important to talk to your dentist about bad breath is that it may be a sign of an underlying medical problem such as respiratory tract infection or gastrointestinal problems.

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can also be a warning signs of gum disease.

Smoking can also cause bad breath, stain teeth and reduce your ability to taste foods.

For all these reasons, you shouldn’t put up with the problem of bad breath. Talk to your dentist and find out what might be causing the problem.

Choosing the right toothbrush for your needs

It would be easy to get overwhelmed by the huge range of dental care products now available.

Even looking just at toothbrushes present a wide range of choices.

There are hundreds of manual and powered toothbrushes to choose from.

Start by looking for products that carry the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance – this is an important symbol of a the product’s safety and effectiveness.

When you buy a toothbrush, replace it every three to four months. Replace it sooner if the bristles become frayed as a worn toothbrush will not clean your teeth properly.

Make it easy for your children to brush their teeth by choosing a child-sized toothbrush and make it more interesting for them by selecting fun colors and designs.

Often people who have difficulties with hand, arm or shoulder movements find that powered toothbrushes are the best choice. However, it’s also possible to make a few small changes to modify a manual toothbrush and make it easier to use.

For example, you can:

– Enlarge the handle with a sponge, rubber ball, or bicycle handle grip
– Lengthen the handle with a piece of wood or plastic
– Bend the handle slightly while running it under hot water

Your dentist will give you tips on what toothbrushes would be right for your needs.

How a healthy diet can help you have healthy teeth

Eating the right food plays an important role in developing healthy teeth and gums.

If your diet lacks certain nutrients, it may be more difficult for tissues in your mouth to fight infection and this can contribute to gum disease.

Although poor nutrition does not cause gum disease directly, the disease may progress faster and could be more severe in people with diets which are low in nutrients.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture makes recommendations on the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed by your body – including your teeth and gums – to promote health and prevent disease.

We have different needs at various stages life and depending on our physical activity. The DOA website provides more information and your dentist will be able to discuss how your diet affects your teeth.

Here are some steps you can take to make sure what you eat doesn’t harm your teeth.
– Maintain a healthy diet
– Drink plenty water
– Limit the number of between-meal snacks. When you must snack, choose nutritious foods that are low in sugar
– Keep a food diary for a week recording every item you eat and drink

It will also help if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings and talk to your dentist about how your diet affects your teeth.

How dentistry has developed over the last 300 years

When you visit a modern dental surgery, its hard to imagine the challenges of dental treatment without all the latest technology.

Yet specialists have been taking care of peoples teeth for thousands of years.

Here are some of the key developments over the last 300 years.

1723: French surgeon Pierre Fauchard – credited as being the father of modern dentistry – publishes the first book to describe a comprehensive system for the practice of dentistry.

1760: John Baker, the earliest medically-trained dentist to practice in America, immigrates from England and sets up practice.

1790: John Greenwood adapts his mothers foot treadle spinning wheel to rotate a drill.

1790: Josiah Flagg, a prominent American dentist, constructs the first chair made specifically for dental patients.

1832: James Snell invents the first reclining dental chair.

1841: Alabama enacts the first dental practice act, regulating dentistry in the United States.

1844: Horace Wells, a Connecticut dentist, discovers that nitrous oxide can be used as an anesthesia and successfully uses it to conduct several extractions in his private practice.

1880s: The collapsible metal tube revolutionizes toothpaste manufacturing and marketing.

1890: Willoughby Miller notes the microbial basis of dental decay in a book which started a world-wide movement to promote regular toothbrushing and flossing.

1896: New Orleans dentist C. Edmond Kells takes the first dental x-ray of a living person in the U.S.

1938: The nylon toothbrush, the first made with synthetic bristles, appears on the market.

1945: The water fluoridation era begins when the cities of Newburgh, New York, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, add sodium fluoride to their public water systems.

1950s: The first fluoride toothpastes are marketed.

1960: The first commercial electric toothbrush, developed in Switzerland after World War II, is introduced in the United States. A cordless, rechargeable model follows in 1961.

Making the most of your smile

Your smile is a major factor in the impression people get when they meet you.

And the good news is that you now don’t have to settle for a smile spoiled by stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth.

Advances in dental treatment mean there is a wide range of choices to help you get the smile that you want. Here are some of the options:
– Tooth whitening (bleaching) can help brighten teeth that have become discolored or stained. It can be done in the dental office or with a system the dentist can give you to use at home
– Bonding improves the appearance of teeth that have become chipped, broken, cracked or stained. This is done by bonding tooth-colored materials to the tooth surface
– Enamel shaping involves modifying teeth to improve their appearance by removing or contouring enamel
– Veneers are thin custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. They are used to treat spaces between teeth and teeth that are chipped, stained or poorly shaped.
– Braces may be needed if teeth are crooked, crowded or do not meet properly – and not just for kids

Even small changes can have a big impact on your smile and so make a huge difference to how you look and how you feel about yourself.

If you’d like an even better smile, your dentist will be able to give you information about the options available.

The risks of oral piercing

Young people today choose to make a variety of fashion statements affecting not just the clothes they wear but also their bodies through tattoos and piercing, for example.

Oral piercing may be something they feel looks good but it can lead to problems where they end up needing medical or dental treatment.

Oral piercing can often lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, infection, increased saliva flow and injuries to the gum tissue.

There can be severe bleeding if a blood vessel is in the path of the needle during the piercing.

Swelling of the tongue is also a common side effect and, in extreme cases, this can block the airway and lead to breathing difficulties.

Other possible problems include chipped or cracked teeth, blood poisoning or even blood clots.

Infection is a very common complication of oral piercing because of the millions of bacteria in your mouth.

Of course, the jewelry itself also causes risk. It can be swallowed or cause damage to your teeth.

So, while young people may feel piercings in the mouth look cool, a great smile will look a lot better in the years to come.

Whats involved in getting a dental implant?

Dental implants are increasingly popular as a way to replace missing or damaged teeth.

Their great advantage is that they look natural and feel secure helping you to restore your smile and eat more easily.

Implants are an ideal solution for many people but they are not an option for everyone.

Placing implants requires some surgery so patients must be in good health, have healthy gums and have adequate bone to support the implant.

They must also be committed to taking action to maintain their oral hygiene and to visiting the dentist regularly.

The process for placing implants is as follows:

First, surgery is performed to place the anchor. This can take up to several hours. Following the surgery, you may need to wait up to six months for the bone to grow around the anchor and firmly hold it in place. Sometimes follow up surgery is required to attach a post to connect the anchor to the replacement teeth. Alternatively, the anchor and post may already be attached and are placed at the same time.

After the gums have had several weeks to heal, the next step is to fit specially-made artificial teeth to the post portion of the anchor. This can take a few weeks to complete as several fittings may be required.

Implant surgery can be done either in a dental office or in a hospital, depending upon a number of factors. A local or general anesthetic may be used. Usually pain medications and, when necessary, antibiotics are prescribed.

After your implants are fitted, your dentist will give you tips and advice on maintaining your oral hygiene.

Your dentist can help you decide whether you would be a good candidate for implants.

Making living with dentures easy and comfortable

Your dentures were made to fit you precisely and, if they are cared for properly, they do not change shape.

But you may sometimes find that they can become loose due to natural changes in the gums and bone supporting them. As the jawbone begins to shrink, so do the gums.

If you find your dentures no longer fit properly, see your dentist as soon as possible so adjustments can be made.

Trying to change the fit of your dentures yourself can damage them and make them unrepairable so this would be a costly experiment!

Ill-fitting dentures repaired at home can also irritate the gums, tongue and cheeks.

In an emergency, you could use denture adhesives to keep the dentures stable until you are able to see the dentist.

Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, its still important to see your dentist regularly for an oral examination.

The dentist will examine your mouth to check for any problem with the gum ridges, the tongue and the joints of the jaw, as well as screen for oral cancer.

For a variety of reasons, many older adults are more susceptible to oral diseases, including oral cancer. About 95 percent of all cancers are found in people over age 40. However, many of these cancers are treatable if detected early.

Oral tissues are also checked for signs of other diseases that can first manifest themselves in the mouth.

Living with dentures can be comfortable if you continue to care for your oral hygiene and make regular visits to your dentist for a checkup.