Did you know that 26% of people over the age of 74 are missing all their teeth? Plus, a whopping 69% of adults between 34 and 44 years old have lost at least one tooth. Decades prior, this would leave patients with gaps in their smile, a weak bite, and impaired speech that negatively impacted their confidence. Fortunately, patients today can opt for durable, beautiful, and long-lasting treatment options, like dentures! However, to enjoy the life-changing benefits of this popular restorative solution, it is important to continually get them adjusted to avoid the dangers associated with an ill-fitting denture. Read on for the risks, common causes, and how to properly care for them.
4 Dangers of Ill-Fitting Dentures
At first, loose dentures can simply seem like a minor inconvenience and an aesthetic drawback. However, the negative effects on your health are equally as important to note. Therefore, make sure to talk to your dentist about ill-fitting veneers before the below issues arise:
- Poor nutrition – When a denture becomes loose, it can negatively impact a patient’s bite force. Not only can this lead to a painful chewing experience, but it can also result in a limited diet and indigestion. This can be detrimental to your overall health, leaving you vulnerable to conditions like heart disease, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
- Swollen gums or soreness – Dentures that fit properly are designed to perfectly bend to the contours of your mouth. However, ill-fitting dentures can incessantly rub against your cheeks and gums, leading to sensitivity, inflamed gums, and soreness.
- Angular Cheilitis – When the alignment of your bite is negatively impacted by your dentures, it can cause saliva to collect in the corners of your mouth. If neglected, it can turn into a small fungal infection that can result in inflammation.
- Exposure to Zinc from excessive adhesive – For patients with dentures, adhesive ensures that they remain in place while talking, chewing, and going through the motions of everyday life. To compensate for ill-fitting dentures, many choose to apply additional adhesive. Unfortunately, this can lead to overexposure of Zinc, which can be toxic.
What Causes Dentures to Become Loose?
When your natural teeth are in place, your jawbone is stimulated by the pressure from chewing. However, dentures are unable to provide your jawbone the same stimulus, which can cause the shape of your jaw to change. Therefore, your dentist needs to continually adjust your dentures until they need to be replaced.
5 Tips for Taking Care of Your Dentures
To ensure your dentures stay in pristine condition and last for years to come, it is important to prioritize prevention. In addition to properly caring for your gums, make sure to:
- Always handle them with care to prevent them from breaking.
- Rinse them consistently to dislodge food particles.
- Remove leftover adhesive at the end of the day.
- Soak them in a special cleaning solution to lift stains and prevent plaque buildup.
- Brush them daily with a soft denture toothbrush.
To protect your oral and overall health from the dangers of ill-fitting dentures, it is important to speak with your dentist as soon as they start to become loose. That way, you can enjoy the life-changing benefits for years to come!
About the Author
After earning his undergraduate degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Dr. Luke Lumpkin completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Over the last 15 years, Dr. Lumpkin has used his extensive experience and genuine care for his patients to deliver high-quality service and world-class care. If your dentures have become loose, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Lumpkin via his website or by phone at 918-336-6777.