You may not know yet if dentures are in your future, but it’s important to recognize the signs that dentures could help you.

Also important? Understanding that the need may happen sooner than you realize. Our society tends to associate dentures with the elderly, but that’s not always the case. In fact, almost 20 percent of women over the age of 40 wear dentures, according to one Fixodent report.

Do not ignore the help that dentures can potentially offer you simply because you think you’re “too young” for them.

Here are several reasons dentures may be right for you – regardless of your age.

You’ve neglected dental visits

Has it been a while since you sat in a dentist’s chair? You’re not alone. About 60 percent of Americans didn’t visit the dentist last year. However, if you keep regular appointments, you’re doing yourself a favor. Your dentist will be able to see if any tooth decay or gum disease is forming. By treating them in the early stages, you can avoid tooth loss, which creates the need for dentures.

Your gums give you grief

If your gums are frequently tender, discolored, or bleeding, you may have gingivitis. Left untreated, this gum disease can progress to periodontal disease, which causes 70% of tooth loss and eventually affects 75% of all people. It can be managed in early stages with dental cleanings and improved oral care. Unfortunately, if gum disease is ignored, it can lead to bone loss, tooth loss, and dentures.

Your teeth are shifting

If your teeth feel loose, if you notice shifts in your bite, or if gaps between your teeth get wider, bone loss may be the culprit. Bone loss indicates advanced gum disease and requires urgent dental care.

Your teeth hurt

If you have a toothache, don’t delay heading to the dentist. It’s better to get a filling or root canal early on rather than having a tooth pulled, which can lead to dentures or other types of tooth replacement procedures much more quickly.

You’re already missing teeth

When you’ve lost two or three teeth, your remaining teeth are under great pressure to perform all the work. If you are missing teeth due to reasons other than injury, it may indicate oral disease. If you lost some back teeth but still have your front teeth, you may not feel concerned because the evidence doesn’t show. However, this means your front teeth are doing all the work, and you face a greater chance of tooth loss.

You have difficulty eating hard or chewy foods

If some foods give you trouble, a cracked tooth may be to blame. A troubled tooth may be saved early with a root canal and crown. Wait too long, though, and extraction is inevitable.

You have tummy troubles

When you can’t chew properly due to missing or cracked teeth, you may be swallowing larger pieces of food, which can cause stomach upset. Your dentist will know whether your digestive issues are linked to your dental problems.

You’re hiding your smile

 If you aren’t smiling because you don’t want people to see your missing teeth, dentures can rebuild confidence. This may be especially true if you are younger than 50 years old. According to one university study, 69 percent of adults between 35 and 44 have lost one or more permanent teeth.

A skilled dentist can create a set of dentures to restore your mouth to good health. Schedule a consultation today to see if dentures are right for you.