
As annoying as they are, dentures that don’t fit well can seem pretty harmless. Isn’t “mild mouth pain” about the worst they can do to you and your smile? However, the truth is much more serious; ill-fitting dentures can be life-threatening in some cases. In other words, wearing these prosthetics may lead to an early death if you don’t take proper action. Learn more about the matter in this summary from your local Temple dentist.
Context: What are the Signs of an Ill-Fitting Denture?
Before anything else, you’ll need to grasp the signs of an ill-fitting denture. Knowing why this prosthetic is deadly won’t help you much otherwise.
The most common symptoms of an ill-fitting denture are:
- Pressure Sores –When dentures become ill-fitting, they often put too much pressure on your gums. This pressure can then cause painful and irritating sores.
- Difficulty Chewing – Though it takes time, learning to easily chew with dentures is possible. Struggling to do so later is a sign that your prosthetic fits poorly.
- Changes in Speech – Ill-fitting dentures move around when you speak, making you struggle to say certain words.
- Discomfort – While dentures take time to get used to, they shouldn’t cause pain once you’re used to them. So, discomfort and jaw soreness after your adjustment point to an ill-fitting prosthetic.
Your dentures are likely ill-fitting if you show several of the signs above. With that said, only a qualified dentist will know for sure.
Ill-Fitting Dentures & Oral Cancer
Ill-fitting dentures themselves aren’t actually harmful. However, wearing them often increases your risk of oral cancer – a condition that’s life-threatening in its later stages.
You see, ill-fitting dentures tend to trap harmful materials. These include not only food debris but also alcohol, tobacco, and similar substances, which can often inflame gum tissue. Such inflammation will cause continual cell damage and repair, making oral cancer more and more likely. As a result, leaving it unchecked by continuing to wear ill-fitting dentures is a deadly decision.
What Should You Do About Ill-Fitting Dentures?
Given the points above, the “solution” to deadly ill-fitting dentures is simple. Just see your local dentist to have your prosthetics refitted or replaced.
Modern dentists have the resources, knowledge, and skill to deal with dentures. Based on their findings, they can often solve these devices’ poor fit with a simple adjustment. On the other hand, they can also replace your old dentures with new and better-fitting ones.
Ill-fitting dentures can be life-threatening, so don’t just live with them. See your dental provider for the appropriate help!
About the Author
Dr. Richard Fossum is a certified dentist in Temple, TX, having earned his DDS from the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. He and his team offer excellent preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, all tailored to each patient’s smile. They also repair and replace ill-fitting dentures as needed, ensuring your prosthetic teeth remain safe. Today, Dr. Fossum practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (254)-831-4397.