Of the estimated 35 million Americans that are missing all of their teeth, around 90% of them turn towards dentures as a solution for replacing their lost pearly whites. And dentures have a lot to offer; they won’t just restore the beauty of your smile, but they’ll also allow you to eat, speak, and smile normally once more. That said, your dentures can only function properly if they fit properly! Ill-fitting dentures can be quite problematic and lead to a slew of different oral health problems. Keep reading to learn more about four of these complications.
1. Swollen Gums and Soreness
Your dentures fit inside your mouth by resting on your gums, relying on a combination of adhesives, suction, and muscle control to remain in place. But if your dentures don’t correctly fit the curves and contours of your mouth, they can rub against your soft mouth tissue and cause irritation and inflammation. Swollen gums are much more susceptible to injuries and bleeding, and you can also develop uncomfortable blisters that grow and multiply.
2. Trouble with Speech
Ill-fitting dentures can also give you a difficult time whenever you try to speak! Your tongue and teeth play an important role in speech, assisting you with the pronunciation of certain words and sounds. If your dentures are slipping and sliding around your mouth while you talk, social situations and conversations can quickly become awkward. Poor-fitting dentures can cause all sorts of speech problems including stutters, slurs, and lisps; they can even fall out of your mouth during normal conversation!
3. Difficulty Eating
Everybody loves to eat, but it becomes difficult to fuel up if it hurts to chew your food! Ill-fitting dentures can make enjoying your favorite snacks tricky and complicated, which in turn will influence your diet. Similar to when you’re speaking, you run the risk of your dentures shifting and falling out while you’re eating if they don’t properly fit your mouth. This drastically reduces your chewing power, which will negatively influence your body’s overall nutrition. Additionally, food particles can become lodged between your gums and dentures, which can lead to gum disease and infection if left untreated.
4. Potential Damage to Adjacent Teeth
Dentures that don’t fit your mouth correctly also pose a threat to your pre-existing teeth. If you have partial dentures that aren’t secured, they can actually grate on your natural teeth and wear down their enamel. This can lead to chips and cracks in your teeth that sometimes result in dental emergencies!
Your dentures are meant to help your smile; but they can actually harm it if they aren’t properly situated! If you suspect that your dentures don’t fit correctly, you should contact your dentist immediately in order to prevent painful problems from developing later on.
About the Practice
The team at Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is pleased to serve the dental needs of patients and families in the Harrisonburg area. The practice is led by Dr. Mario DeNicola and Dr. Monisha Khanna, who both have several years of experience and expertise in a wide variety of fields. Their practice is proud to offer many available services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry options. If you have any questions about dentures or would like to schedule a visit, you can contact the practice online or by phone: (540) 432-6616.