Your dentures should fit your mouth securely so that there’s no need to worry about them coming out when you eat or speak. Unfortunately, however, over time your mouth and your once properly fitting prosthetics can change shape, making them slip or become painful to wear. Many people attempt to work around this problem, trying to hold them in place with adhesives or perform a do-it-yourself reline that only makes them worse.
While it may not seem like a big deal to see your dentist about your poorly fitting dentures, it’s actually very important. Here are a few dangers of a bad fit, and why is it crucial that you see your dentist if your dentures stop fitting properly.
Problems Caused by Ill-Fitting Dentures
Swollen Gums
If your dentures don’t fit closely enough to your gums, they can rub against your soft tissue. This friction and pressure can cause them to swell or become irritated, increasing your risk of bleeding and painful oral injuries during use.
Trouble Speaking
When you first get a new pair of dentures, it can be difficult to speak clearly. Eventually, however, you get used to wearing them and speech comes naturally. Unfortunately, if your dentures stop fitting properly, they can move around in your mouth when you attempt to talk or eat. This can cause a new speech impediment such as a lisp, or for your prosthetics to fall out mid-conversation!
Blisters
Blisters are another common side-effect of ill-fitting dentures. They develop when your prosthetics rub against certain areas of the mouth, causing pain and increasing your risk of infection. They can even worsen preexisting gum disease, which can cause a domino effect of other oral health problems like further tooth loss and bone deterioration.
Angular Cheilitis
Angular cheilitis is a bacterial yeast infection caused when saliva pools near the corners of your mouth. It appears on your face as red, irritated streaks or patches, and can be very itchy and painful. Angular cheilitis is a common side-effect of poorly fitting dentures, because when your prosthetic doesn’t have a secure hold, it can cause saliva and bacteria to accumulate.
Damage to Remaining Teeth
If you have any remaining natural teeth, ill-fitting dentures can grate on them, wearing them down and causing sensitivity. It can also increase their risk of chipping or cracking. This can even cause damage to dental implants!
Difficulties Eating
When your dentures become painful to wear, it can be difficult to eat many foods that are tougher or crunchier in texture. This can in turn lead to a poor diet, and even malnutrition. It can also cause unchewed food particles to get stuck between your prosthetic and gums, increasing your risk of gum disease and infection.
Headaches
When your mouth hurts, you may move your jaw differently to compensate for the pain, or for the bad grip on your dentures. This can in turn cause jaw pain and headaches. In some cases, patients will experience frequent headaches from poorly fitting dentures and never realize the two are related!
The Solution: Your Dentist!
The good news is that you don’t need to suffer the side effects of poorly fitting dentures. Your dentist can help identify and correct this problem. In some cases, your prosthetics may be fixable with a reline procedure, however it may simply be time to replace them, especially if you’ve had them for more than five years. Properly fitting dentures may not seem like a big deal, but they are essential in preventing a variety of oral health problems and helping curb dangerous malnutrition.
Remember, your dentures don’t just complete your smile, they are important tools that help you eat and communicate with the world. If they don’t fit correctly, it can cause a litany of oral and overall health problems, so contact your dentist as soon as possible for help.
About Dr. Lamberti
Dr. Alberto Lamberti earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA and a Fellowship in Implant Dentistry at Tufts University in 2011. He then began the rewarding role of Assistant Professor at Tufts University Prosthodontics Department where he remained for nearly 10 years. He also worked at the Tufts Dental Associates Faculty Practice, and Beacon Hill Dental Associates.
Prior to moving to the United States, Dr. Lamberti completed his Postgraduate Specialist in Prosthodontics at the Central University of Venezuela and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Central University of Venezuela. He has practiced extensively in Prosthodontics since earning his Dental Degree.
To schedule an appointment for dentures with Dr. Lamberti, please visit our website, or call the office directly at 561-338-7535.