While certainly frustrating, most people don’t think a denture that fits poorly is a big deal. The issue is surely something you can fix later; you’re free to handle the more seemingly urgent stuff first. Even so, the truth is that poorly fitting dentures can threaten your life. Not addressing them quickly may cause an early death, something anyone would want to prevent. Learn the relevant details yourself in this helpful summary from your local Forest Grove dentist.
Wait: What’s a Poorly Fitting Denture?
Poorly fitting dentures are – as you’d expect – those that fail to fit your mouth. Often the result of your mouth’s shape changing, you can identify them through the following signs:
- Pressure Sores –Well-fitted dentures don’t put pressure on your gums, so your own have become ill-fitting if they cause painful and irritating gum sores.
- Oral Aches – Dentures shouldn’t cause pain once you’ve adjusted to them. If they cause discomfort past the adjustment period, they likely don’t fit well.
- Chewing Struggles – While dentures that fit well can chew meals easily, those that don’t can’t break food into smaller bites.
- Speech Changes – Excellent dentures shouldn’t move much at all when you speak. To that extent, only the ill-fitting ones flit about and make speech trickier.
Should you show the symptoms above, visit your dental practice for help. They can confirm whether your dentures have truly stopped fitting you well.
Why Is It Life-Threatening?
Poorly fitting dentures themselves won’t kill you, technically speaking. It’s the higher risk of oral cancer they cause that might do so.
The problem comes down to oral debris. Various materials tend to cling to poorly fitting dentures, ranging from leftover food to alcohol, tobacco, and similar substances. Having such things in your mouth, especially for an extended period, can cause oral inflammation and cell damage. These latter two effects are major risk factors for oral cancer.
How Should You Respond To It?
You should address ill-fitting dentures shortly after you notice them. As for how to do so, the best response is simple: visit your dentist for a refit or replacement.
It goes without saying that dentists are the true denture experts. Thanks to their knowledge, skills, and resources, they’re very well-equipped to handle and fix faulty restorations. Such prosthetics include poorly fitting dentures, which can either be relined, thoroughly readjusted, or even replaced entirely.
Please don’t dismiss poorly fitting dentures from now on. If or when you suffer from them, contact your dental provider for prompt help!
About the Practice
Pacific Oak Dental is based in Forest Grove, OR. Led by Drs. Jared Thompson and Kindel Bailey, our practice treats patients of all ages with courtesy, kindness, and effective care. Our comprehensive range of services spans everything from dental checkups to dentures, so you can rest easy. Our team has what it takes to give your whole family thriving smiles! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (503)-357-9122.