If you’re among the 35 million Americans who don’t have any natural teeth in one or both arches, dentures can be a great solution to rebuild your smile. Despite their bad reputation for looking and feeling fake, they are more realistic than ever. You will be able to maintain a balanced diet, speak clearly, and smile confidently. Unfortunately, your dentures in La Mesa might lose their snug fit over time because your jawbone will change. While the slipping and irritation might seem like only a nuisance, here are 5 common health issues caused by ill-fitting dentures.
Common Health Risks of Ill-Fitting Dentures
Every tooth is vital to a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile. Losing even one can create problems because your jawbone won’t be stimulated by the root, so it will shrink. If you’ve experienced significant tooth loss, it can have devastating consequences. You will continue to lose bone, which will make the ridges of the gum tissue shrink. As these changes occur, your dentures may feel loose and uncomfortable. In addition, you’ll be at risk of a few health complications linked to poorly fitting dentures.
Irritated and Inflamed Gums
Without a tight fit, your dentures can rub on your gum tissue, causing irritation and inflammation. If the slipping is extensive, painful sores can develop, putting you at risk of infection.
Nutritional Deficiencies
If your denture doesn’t fit comfortably, it can be almost impossible to chew certain foods, so you might eliminate them from your diet. If you aren’t careful, it can easily lead to nutritional deficiencies that affect your health.
Headaches
It’s common for headaches to be caused by issues of the mouth and surrounding facial tissues. An unbalanced bite from ill-fitting dentures can lead to reoccurring headaches.
Atrophy of the Jawbone
Dentures that don’t fit well can cause your jawbone to deteriorate from atrophy because they can prevent the formation of new tissue.
Yeast Infection
An unbalanced bite can make your saliva pool on the sides of the mouth in an unnatural way, creating the perfect opportunity for yeast to grown, which can result in an infection.
Improving Ill-Fitting Dentures
If your dentures don’t fit well anymore, it’s time to see your dentist. They may need to be adjusted or relined. If too much change has occurred, you might need new dentures. If you’re interested in permanently eliminating slipping and irritation, ask your dentist about stabilizing your teeth with dental implants. An implant-retained denture will give you the next best thing to your natural smile to invest in your general health and quality of life.
About Dr. Peter F. Johnson
Dr. Johnson is a board-certified prosthodontist who can treat even the most complex oral health issues, like extensive tooth loss. He holds countless memberships with various dental organizations, including the American Board of Prosthodontics and the American College of Prosthodontists. He offers both traditional tooth replacement treatments and the latest solutions using dental implants. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for a complete smile.
