Dentures are a great way to replace missing teeth and regain some of your bite power. When full dentures fit in your mouth properly, your top ones should smoothly suction to your gums. Your bottom ones should float just above your gums while easily remaining in your mouth. For partial dentures, there shouldn’t be any significant movement, and they should stay in line with your remaining natural teeth. It’s important that they fit your mouth properly so you can avoid a range of complications. To help you understand why this is important, here are five oral health problems that can be caused by ill-fitting dentures.
#1: Trouble Speaking
Dentures that don’t fit in your mouth correctly will be unstable and will likely move a lot when you speak. This makes it hard for those who wear them to speak properly and may also cause their restorations to fall out. In some cases, ill-fitting dentures might even cause you to develop a lisp.
#2: Swollen Gums and Blisters
Another potential complication of ill-fitting dentures is swollen gums from your restorations uncomfortably rubbing against them. This consistent movement creates extra pressure and friction, which may also cause blisters to form. When one’s gums are swollen, they are also more susceptible to injury. Additionally, burst blisters give oral bacteria access to the gums, which increases your risk of gum disease. Chronic inflammation has also been linked to a number of health issues, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Type 2 diabetes
#3: Trouble Eating
It can be difficult or even painful to eat when your dentures are constantly slipping around in your mouth. This can also lead to food getting stuck between your dentures and gums. Harmful oral bacteria can feed off of this food and release acids that weaken your enamel and make you more likely to develop cavities.
#4: Angular Cheilitis
Ill-fitting dentures cause your bite to be uneven. As a result, saliva pools at the corners of the mouth. This may lead to a bacterial infection called angular cheilitis. Symptoms of this infection include rashes, redness, itching or cracking at the corners of the mouth, dry lips, and a burning sensation.
#5: Damage to Natural Teeth
If your partial dentures are slipping, this can cause them to grate against your remaining natural teeth. As a result, the enamel will start to thin, and your pearly whites will become more susceptible to decay. This can also lead to dental damage like cracks and chips.
If you have ill-fitting dentures, call your dentist so they can determine what the issue is. They will replace the lining, place a new resin base, or recommend alternatives to ensure that your smile is healthy, stable, and as lovely as ever!
About the Practice
Missing teeth can make your confidence suffer, but Dr. George A. Hoop and his Fort Myers team at Total Dental Solutions for Adults can help. They offer tooth replacement options like dentures so you can eat, speak, and laugh with ease. Additionally, if your dentures don’t fit correctly, they can find out what the problem is and make the necessary adjustments to let you get back to enjoying your smile to the fullest. To make an appointment or for more information on dentures, visit Total Dental Solutions for Adults’ website or call their office at (239) 939-7299.