29
May
Why are Ill-Fitting Dentures Potentially Life-Threatening?
You probably consider ill-fitting dentures slightly annoying at best. True, they can make it hard to eat and speak, not to mention cause oral discomfort. Even so, you might not see why poorly-fitted false teeth are a big deal. It turns out that slipping dentures can potentially threaten your life when left untreated. As such, it’s important to recognize when your prosthetic doesn’t fit as it should. To learn more, here’s a summary of how ill-fitting dentures can be dangerous and signs that your own needs a change.
How Could Ill-Fitting Dentures Be Dangerous?
While the link isn’t direct, studies show that ill-fitting dentures can contribute to oral cancer. After all, a poor fit increases the odds that harmful oral bacteria accumulate beneath the gum line. This risk becomes even greater if the denture-wearer is also someone who regularly uses tobacco or alcohol.
As residue and toxins seep into the gums, they can cause gingivitis, increasing your risk. In fact, untreated gum disease can raise the chances of getting oral cancer by 14-20%.
Signs of Ill-Fitting Dentures
Thankfully, you can learn whether you have poorly-fitted dentures before things get too bad. To know if your own prosthetic needs adjustment or replacement, look for the following signs:
- Difficulty Chewing: If you’re struggling to chew with your dentures, that may mean they don’t fit the exact shape of your gums.
- Facial Shape Changes: Dentures, like natural teeth, play a role in keeping your cheeks looking full and even. When you notice that no longer seems to be the case, chances are your false teeth need adjustment.
- Changes in Placement: Whether top, bottom, or partial dentures, they’re probably not well-adjusted if they aren’t sitting as they should.
- Speech Pattern Changes: You may experience slurred speech when first wearing dentures, but this usually fades over time. However, if these changes return or you experience new speech pattern changes, you may need an adjustment.
- Pressure Sores: Being ulcers caused by prolonged pressure, pressure sores can stem from ill-fitting dentures. The places in the mouth where they develop are good indicators of where adjustment is needed.
As you can see, dentures that don’t work correctly can be more dangerous than you’d think. Keep that danger to a minimum by changing the prosthetic in response to the signs above!
About the Practice
Framingham Family Dental Care is based in Framingham, MA. As led by Drs. Adelina and Arvi Duka, the practice takes a compassionate and modern approach to dental care. It uses the latest technology to perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency tooth services. Whether you need a checkup or a denture, the Framingham Family team will meet your smile needs. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (508) 665-2016.