You probably know more people in your age group with dentures than you realize. According to Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, 69 percent of adults between 35 and 44 have lost one or more permanent teeth, and 26 percent of adults aged 74 are missing all of them. Young people can lose teeth due to gum disease and tooth decay, or they may suffer from dental abnormalities such as ectodermal dysplasia. Another reason younger people sometimes need dentures is severe tooth erosion from gastrointestinal reflux, which causes stomach acid to regurgitate into the mouth.
Whatever the cause of the problem, dentures offer a long-term solution free from pain and worry. And after an adjustment period, the patient can continue a diet that is nearly the same as before – with a more attractive and healthier smile.