Dentures facts for kids
Dentures, also known as false teeth, are special dental devices. They help people who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. Dentures can make it easier to eat, speak, and even smile with confidence. It is important not to wear them overnight.
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What Are Dentures?
Dentures are custom-made replacements for missing teeth. They are usually made from materials like acrylic plastic, nylon, or metal. They fit snugly over the gums and can be removed for cleaning.
Why Do People Need Dentures?
People might need dentures for several reasons. Sometimes, teeth are lost due to tooth decay, gum disease, or injuries. When teeth are missing, it can be hard to chew food properly or speak clearly. Dentures help solve these problems, improving a person's health and daily life.
A Look Back: Dentures Through History
The idea of replacing missing teeth is very old. Early forms of false teeth were used as far back as the 7th century BC. These early dentures were often made from animal teeth or shells.
Famous Denture Wearers
One famous person who wore dentures was George Washington, the first President of the United States. His dentures were not made of wood, as some stories say. Instead, they were crafted from materials like ivory, human teeth, and lead. This shows how important dentures have been throughout history for many people.
Images for kids
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Carved ivory dentures from the 18th century. Left is lower/mandibular; upper/maxillary is at right.
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Pierre Fauchard described the construction of dentures using a metal frame, animal bone teeth, and leaf springs in 1728.
See also
In Spanish: Prótesis dental para niños
