Dentures have been a tooth-loss solution for thousands of years. The earliest known dentures date as far back as 700 B.C. and used ivory as a base and hand-carved animal bones for the teeth. Thanks to technology, current dentures have come a long way! They are now incredibly lifelike and comfortable. But despite the advancements, they can still become loose over time, which can lead to some oral health issues. Here are five ways that ill-fitting dentures can cause problems and what you can do about them!
#1. They Can Cause Gum Irritation
When your dentures don’t fit just right, they can begin to rub against the gum tissue, causing irritation and inflammation. Over time, this could lead to more serious pain – especially if you already suffer from other specific oral health problems, such as a TMJ disorder.
#2. They Can Lead to Headaches and Ear Pain
Ill-fitting dentures can cause undue pressure at different places on your jaw and gums instead of being evenly distributed throughout your mouth. This can lead to pain in your head and ears.
#3. They Can Cause Blisters and Increase the Risk of Infection
The constant rubbing of dentures on your gums can cause blisters to form throughout your mouth. While this is the body’s way of protecting the soft tissues, they are very painful and can become infected with exposure to bad bacteria.
#4. They Can Affect Your Nutrition
The constant slipping and sliding of your dentures can make it hard to enjoy certain foods. It can even be more convenient to begin to eat less or it might cause your diet to become less healthy overall because highly processed foods tend to be softer.
#5. They Can Lead to Jawbone Atrophy
Since your prosthetic is held in place by your gums, your jawbone doesn’t get any stimulation through natural teeth. Chewing is one of the ways that tissue deterioration of the jaw is prevented. When dentures are constantly shifting in your mouth from not fitting, you risk increasing jawbone atrophy.
What Can You Do for Better Fitting Dentures?
Fortunately, you don’t have to live with dentures that don’t fit properly! If you notice any discomfort or even minor annoyances, be sure to visit your dentist. They may recommend relining your prosthetic, which involves adding material to the inner plate that hugs the gums, causing a firmer fit. Implant dentures may also be a great possibility if you are looking for more long-lasting stability.
Over time, your dentures may become less comfortable and lead to some oral health complications. With a little awareness and help from your dentist, you can be back on track to a better-fitting, complete smile as soon as possible!
About the Author
Dr. Todd Balington and his team at Denton Dental Center serve the families of Denton and the surrounding areas. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the Nova Southeastern University of Dental Medicine and has over 15 years of experience. Combining a passion for restorative dentistry and personalized care, he can help you with any of your denture needs! To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (940) 383-3300.