When the shoes or shirt you choose to wear for the day don’t fit properly, it can result in some frustrating (albeit temporary) discomfort. The good news is that in most cases, whatever issues arose from those decisions should go away soon. However, when you continue to make use of clothing or of prosthetics like dentures that have a poor fit, it can not only be more painful, but the side effects can really stack up. Here’s a closer look at five surprising dangers of improperly fitting dentures, and what you can do to prevent them!
Difficulty Speaking & Eating
Your dentures do more than just restore your smile. They allow you to eat and speak clearly, as if you’d never lost teeth in the first place. But that’s only if they fit correctly. If not, they could make it harder to chew and enunciate your words, increasing your risk of malnutrition and causing embarrassment when socializing.
Mouth Sores & Blisters
Because improperly fitting dentures can rub against your soft tissues or pinch your gums in various places along the arch, they can be responsible for painful mouth sores and blisters, each of which can increase your risk of oral infection and even make an already ill-fitting prosthetic feel even worse!
Angular Cheilitis
Angular cheilitis is bacterial infection caused by yeast that develops when saliva accumulates at the corners of the mouth. It is often due to an uneven bite from badly fitting dentures and may show up in the form of red, itchy patches or streaks.
Tooth Damage
If you still have remaining natural teeth, poorly fitting dentures or partials can put them in jeopardy by rubbing against them, increasing their risk of enamel wear, chipping, or cracking. It can also put excess stress on your dentures, resulting in the need for costly repairs or complete replacement!
Gum Inflammation
Gum irritation from poorly fitting prosthetics can increase your risk of inflammation, which can in turn cause periodontal bleeding and infection, making your mouth more vulnerable to gum disease and other painful side effects.
How to Safeguard Your Smile Against Denture Danger
Now that you know all the things that could go wrong in your mouth from wearing poorly fitting dentures, it’s time to protect your smile! If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, or if it’s simply been a while since you’ve had your prosthetics examined by your dentist, schedule an appointment today to have them cleaned and their fit checked, so they can continue to provide all the incredible benefits of a complete, healthy smile!
About Our Team
At Dental Group West, Dr. Poole, Dr. Crago, and Dr. Thomas understand the importance of having a complete smile. If you wear dentures, but are experiencing one or more signs of improper fit, it can make doing everyday things like smiling, speaking, and eating a challenge. Don’t let dental discomfort keep you from living your best life. To schedule an appointment for dentures, visit our website or call us today at 419-539-2168.