Dentures have been a saving grace for many people who want to restore their smiles. These prosthetic devices help to enhance the quality of life for those with missing teeth. Dentures allow people to resume daily functions, such as eating or speaking. Also, they can prevent the slow deterioration of your jawbone. But, your dentures can actually damage your mouth if they don’t fit properly. As a result, it is crucial that you talk to your dentist if you have ill-fitting dentures.
Why Proper Fit Matters
Dentures that fit snugly and comfortably in your mouth are essential for several reasons. Firstly, they enable efficient chewing. As a result, you can enjoy a more balanced diet with ease. Secondly, well-fitted dentures enhance speech clarity. This helps prevent the embarrassment of slurred words or mumbling. Moreover, they contribute to your overall facial aesthetics. This means that you can keep the natural contours of your face and prevent a sunken appearance.
Recognizing the Red Flags
Identifying ill-fitting dentures is crucial in preventing damage to your oral health. There are some common signs that your dentures may not be fitting as they should. For example, you may develop sore spots. If you have persistent sore spots on your gums, it could be a sign that your dentures are rubbing against them.
Another common sign is that your dentures are loose. Dentures that frequently slip or come loose in your mouth can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. This issue can have several effects. Loose dentures can lead to speech problems, such as slurred words or whistling sounds. Also, you may have a difficult or uncomfortable time eating.
Oral Health Risks
There are several oral health risks that you can suffer due to ill-fitting dentures. When there is constant friction to your gums, it can cause irritation and potentially infection. Ill-fitting dentures can cause chronic gum irritation, increasing the risk of gum infections, such as gingivitis.
Poorly fitted dentures can quicken the loss of bone density in your jaw. This can lead to a sunken facial appearance. This can also make your dentures even more unstable.
As chewing becomes challenging with ill-fitting dentures, some may avoid certain foods. This can potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies. If you don’t get the right nutrients, you can become malnourished over time.
Preventing Damage: What You Can Do
If you suspect that your dentures are not fitting correctly, the first step is to consult your dentist. They will evaluate the fit and make necessary adjustments. Otherwise, they may recommend a replacement if your dentures are beyond repair.
To keep your dentures healthy, you should keep up with your routine dental checkups. These are crucial to monitor the condition of your dentures. During your exams, your dentist will ensure that your dentures fit properly. This is because your dentist can spot issues early and prevent potential complications.
One of the best ways to prevent major denture issues is to clean and care for them properly. The best oral hygiene routines can extend the life of your dentures. Of course, keeping your oral health in tip-top shape helps keep your dentures in good condition.