You recently started wearing dentures and have been experiencing some discomfort. Though your dentist told you that they may take some getting used to, the discomfort has been going on for long enough to become a source of concern. Along with being uncomfortable, ill-fitting dentures can also lead to several other complications. Learn more about how properly fitted dentures can help you avoid serious oral health issues.
Potential Complications of Ill-Fitting Dentures
While ill-fitting dentures can lead to swollen gums and soreness, they can also lead to more serious complications including:
- Trouble speaking since the loose dentures may move around when you open your mouth
- Blisters from continuously rubbing against certain areas of the mouth
- Damage and wear-and-tear to your remaining teeth
- Angular Cheilitis due to an uneven bite causing saliva to pool at the corners of the mouth resulting in a bacterial infection
- Trouble eating due to pain when chewing
- Headaches due to mouth and jaw pain
- Atrophy caused by the jawbone beginning to dissolve under the pressure of the dentures
Oral Cancer Risks
When dentures rub on the gums, this can cause chronic mechanical irritation. This may lead to inflammation in the mouth and lips. Though short-term inflammation can be beneficial, long-term inflammation can lead to cell damage. These cells usually die or are get repaired by your immune system, but this extended inflammation may lead to mutations. If the cells continue to grow and mutate at a rapid rate, they may become cancerous.
How to Fix Ill-Fitting Dentures
If you are experiencing any of the problems listed above, visit a dentist as soon as possible so they can adjust your dentures to fit your mouth the right way. Make sure to perform daily cleaning and maintenance on them and use FDA-approved adhesive to keep them in place and functioning properly. Avoid using adhesive that contains zinc since it may be harmful to the body. If sores or cuts have appeared in your mouth, speak with your dentist about treatment options.
By having your dentist adjust your dentures to fit your mouth the right way, you can avoid further oral health complications. So, make sure your dentures fit properly so you can enjoy a better quality of life and a brighter, more stable smile!
About the Author
Every smile is unique, so why settle for cookie-cutter oral health procedures? With Salmon Brook Dental, you don’t have to! Dr. Kenneth Endres, Dr. Gunveen Chawla, and their Granby team spend time getting to know each patient’s needs and goals in order to provide highly personalized, effective treatment. They are also experts at setting you up with dental restorations such as dentures so you can once again enjoy having a full, well-functioning, beautiful smile. For more information about dentures and why it’s essential that they fit properly, call Salmon Brook Dental’s office at (860) 288-8119 or visit their website.