Posted by writeradmin
I drink a lot of soda and my dentist keeps warning me that I will end up losing my teeth. Now my gums are bleeding when I brush. Does this mean I need dentures?
Evelyn
Dear Evelyn,
While soda can cause severe decay, some of that will depend on a couple of factors. If you sip it and let it sit on your teeth, then you are more likely to develop decay. If, however, you were to just drink and swallow quickly, without letting it sit on your teeth, there is less chance of decay. A second factor will be your oral hygiene. You will need to brush and floss daily as well as visit the dentist regularly.
The bleeding of your gums when you brush is a sign of periodontal disease (gum disease). Often when patients have bleeding gums, they tend to avoid the area. That is actually the opposite of what you need to do. Instead, you need to thoroughly clean the gum area to get the bacteria out of there. You’ll also want some extra cleanings with your dentist in order to get the gum disease under control, because when left untreated you can end up losing your teeth.
Bear in mind that I haven’t examined you so I do not know the current condition of your teeth, but unless there is something you haven’t mentioned, I think it is possible for you to save your teeth and avoid needing dentures.
If, however, things continue as they are and you do end up losing your teeth, you will want to get import supported dentures. This way you have non-removable dentures which are secure. The implants themselves serve as prosthetic teeth roots, which will protect you from facial collapse.
Hopefully, that won’t be necessary and just adjusting how you drink and getting your gum disease under control will save your teeth.
This blog is brought to you by patient friendly dentist in Baton Rouge Dr. John Theriot.