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.
The common problems associated with dental prosthetics
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.
1. Difficulty eating and speaking
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.
2. Irritation and inflammation of the gums
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.
3. Infections in the mouth
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.
4. Atrophy to the jawbone
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.
Solutions to denture problems
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.
Conclusion
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.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Whether you can use toothpaste for denture care is a common question many people wonder when they first get dentures. The short answer to this question is no; you cannot. But why is it that you can’t use toothpaste on dentures? Let’s find out.Dentures are made of a less sturdy material than your natural teeth.…
The best cleaning solution for denture care varies from person to person. Using a toothbrush and water is not enough to clean dentures completely. This can lead to plaque buildup on your dentures, especially in the crevices of the mouth. To avoid this problem, dentists recommend using dental solutions specifically designed to clean dentures. Denture…
Most people develop a cavity at some point in their lives, but children are especially prone to tooth decay. Dental sealants can be used to help lower the risk of getting cavities, protecting a child's teeth for many years. This supplemental treatment offers many benefits and is recommended by most dentists for virtually all children…
When you are new to wearing dentures, you have many questions involving your denture care. Some people who wear dentures and do not have any natural teeth left believe they no longer need to see their dentist regularly like they used to. For many reasons, making sure you still see your dentist for regular appointments…