Dentures provide a way for people missing teeth to eat, speak and smile as they used to. In fact, according to the American College of Prosthodontists, 90% of people without teeth have some form of dental prosthetics. However, many health concerns arise when these do not fit correctly in the mouth.
There are a few common types of dental wear for missing teeth, of which problems can occur with all of them, especially when it concerns the fit. Gum tissues, especially the ridges, may shrink as the body ages. Another side effect of this shrinkage is that facial features shift and the jaw becomes misaligned. These can all cause dentures to stop fitting properly, which can lead to a number of health problems.
It may be difficult for individuals to eat or speak naturally. If the prosthetics are loose, it can be challenging to properly chew food or form certain sounds when speaking, often resulting in food becoming stuck beneath them or a lisp when speaking. These actions could also be more difficult due to the pain involved.
Ill-fitting dentures can rub against the gums, causing irritation and inflammation. In turn, this causes discomfort in the mouth and can make eating difficult. It may also lead to blisters forming on the gum tissue, thus resulting in even more aching.
Prosthetics that fit improperly can lead to a higher risk of oral infections. The rubbing and loose movement of the false teeth can lead to blisters, cuts and sores inside the mouth. Two major oral infections related to this are cheilitis and stomatitis, both of which are results of an overproduction of yeast and can be treated with a combination of proper oral care and medication.
Perhaps the most serious issue to arise is jawbone atrophy. The bone can begin to dissolve under the pressure of the wear and tear of dentures that do not fit as they should. Also, the jaw is one of the bones in the body that cannot regrow tissue, so it is especially important to take actions to correct this problem as soon as possible.
If any of the problems listed above occur, it is important to visit a dentist right away. Proper care and maintenance of the false teeth, like daily cleaning and usage of FDA-approved adhesive, may solve some of the problems. For example, the FDA recommends avoiding adhesive that contains zinc as it may be harmful to the body. It may also be necessary to receive medication if sores or cuts appear in the mouth.
If your dentures do not fit properly in your mouth or feel uncomfortable, it may be time to visit the dentist for a checkup. The mouth changes with age so it is vital to care for dental prosthetics before any oral health problems appear.
Request an appointment here: https://brimhalldentalgroup.com or call Brimhall Dental Group at (661) 249-1122 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.
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