A Strange Recent Finding That Impacts Those With Dentures

Posted on: 22 December 2014

Dentures are a great invention-- and while not technically one of the modern world (the first dentures arose around 700 BC), recent improvements have increased comfort, wearability, and appearance. As advancements are made and leaps in technology allow inventors to update even further the potential of dentures for those who need them, researchers have been learning more about how the invention affects those who wear them in different circumstances.

You're likely already familiar with the fact that using old worn dentures can lead to painful headaches, and most people take the advice of their dentist on this issue to avoid suffering the consequences. Researchers have recently discovered a larger issue (that many are not aware of) with senior citizens wearing dentures at night during sleep: it could cause pneumonia. Continue reading to learn more about the strange recent finding that shows a link between sleep, dentures, and pneumonia:

Doubling the Risk

Whether you are a senior citizen yourself or you just have an elderly relative, you probably are already aware that pneumonia is a very dangerous sickness for an older person to develop. Because of this, researchers have been working to determine causes and provide prevention techniques to ensure a healthier future for everyone.

While it's been known for several years that poor dental health and oral hygiene techniques (such as avoiding brushing your teeth) can lead to pneumonia, it was only recently discovered by professionals that wearing dentures while sleeping actually doubles that risk.

Bacteria Lurking in the Mouth

If you currently own dentures, don't rush to throw them out-- the ultimate culprit, it turns out, is not technically the dentures themselves. As previous research linking oral health with the lung disease suggested, the problem resides in the bacteria that lurks within your mouth.

While there are all kinds of bacteria in the world, not all of them are avoidable-- no matter how many times you disinfect your counter space or clean your house from top to bottom. In fact, a common type of bacteria called streptococcus mutans comes into your mouth with many of the foods you eat on a daily basis, only to be washed away through brushing your teeth and using good oral hygiene practices.

Researchers discovered that dentures enter into the equation in a very simple way: those who decided to wear them overnight while sleeping exposed their mouth to this common bacteria for a longer amount of time, thereby allowing a longer time for it to wreak havoc on your body. If not taken care of, your dentures can trap the bacteria within your mouth-- leading to long lasting problems and much bigger issues like dangerous pneumonia. Contact a company like Pacific Ave Dental/Allan L. Hablutzel, DDS for more information.

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