Dentures make it easier to enjoy the finer things in life, like eating with family, speaking with your grandchildren, and smiling among friends. Unfortunately, these prosthetics can become ill-fitting as your mouth and facial shape change. What was once a comfortable set of teeth may no longer provide the ease and enjoyment they once did. Keep reading to learn why this happens and how unpleasant dentures can lead to life-threatening situations.
How Do Dentures Become Ill-Fitting?
Unless they are made incorrectly from the start, the change in your facial shape and jawbone is to blame for ill-fitting dentures. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence when there are no tooth roots to stimulate the jawbone and maintain its density and support.
Over time, the bone will resorb, causing your dentures to no longer fit comfortably or correctly along the gums. Without treatment, this can cause oral sores and other similar issues.
Another potential risk of ill-fitting dentures is oral cancer. When your teeth do not sit correctly along the gumline, they will eventually start to rub against the tissues, causing inflammation, which can lead to cell damage. If they experience mutations, they can become cancerous.
In fact, researchers discovered that oral cancer was four times more likely to develop in those with ill-fitting dentures, and the risk drastically increased if the individual practiced smoking or drinking.
What Signs Indicate Ill-Fitting Dentures?
If you notice any of the following symptoms, you need to see your dentist about having your dentures replaced or relined:
- Your teeth slip or fall out when trying to eat or speak
- You develop bad breath
- Your speech changes, causing a lisp to form
- You develop oral sores on your gums
- You experience difficulty chewing
How Can You Fix the Problem?
Fixing ill-fitting dentures requires a visit to your dentist to discuss your options. Usually, they can be relined or replaced, but this depends on the condition of your artificial teeth. No matter how they choose to handle the situation, you can rest assured that addressing the issue will lower your risk of life-threatening oral cancer and other harmful symptoms.
You must commit to practicing positive lifestyle habits, however, and take proper care of your oral health. In addition to brushing, flossing, and rinsing, maintaining regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist, wearing a protective mouthguard, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use are essential.
Don’t let ill-fitting dentures put your teeth and overall health at risk. Notify your dentist as soon as you notice a problem and get the care you need to maintain the comfortable smile you deserve.
About the Practice
Gale Ranch Family Dental employs a team of expert dentists and specialists committed to protecting and improving smiles over the long term. Offering a wide range of services, we work closely with patients experiencing tooth loss and those wearing custom dentures. If you notice that your artificial teeth no longer fit as comfortably as before, contact us at (925) 648-8881 to schedule a consultation today.