When you first received your dentures, they were likely very snug. They are designed to sit comfortably in your mouth and give you back your bite! Many people feel confident in them, but over time, their fit will change. You may notice them becoming loose or slipping, but it’s important to reach out to your dentist when this happens. Keep reading to learn five complications that can occur when wearing ill-fitting dentures.
1.) Chafing and Blisters
If your dental prosthetic doesn’t sit right anymore, it can rub against certain parts of your mouth. The chafing may cause your gums to become swollen, irritated, or even develop blisters! Over time, the pressure and friction from them can lead to oral injuries or even bleeding!
2.) Issues Speaking
Teeth play an important role in sounding out certain syllables as you talk. You might’ve even needed to practice it a bit when you were getting used to your dentures, but now that they don’t fit correctly, you may notice some changes. They may move a bit while you speak, making it harder for you to get clear speech.
3.) Angular Cheilitis
An ill-fitting prosthetic often gives an uneven bite. This can cause saliva to pool toward the corners of your mouth. You may develop an overgrowth of yeast that causes angular cheilitis. When you have this condition, you may have red, irritated streaks or patches in these areas that can be painful or itchy.
4.) Malnutrition
Your diet may have already changed when you got your dentures. You might cut up your food into smaller chunks or prepare it a bit differently than before. But now that they don’t sit comfortably anymore, you may feel like you have trouble eating with them.
You may not easily bite and chew through your meals anymore, and swallowing bigger chunks makes it harder for your body to digest them. This puts you at a greater risk of malnutrition and the other complications that come along with it.
5.) Feeling Embarrassed
This issue may have been a bit easier to guess. When this prosthetic isn’t snug anymore, they are more likely to slip out of place. You may feel a bit more hesitant to talk or eat in a group because you might worry about them coming out. This can make it so the confidence you built up dwindles back down.
All of the above complications that come with ill-fitting dentures can be prevented! Visiting your dentist as soon as you can will help keep them comfortable and let you continue to be proud of your renewed smile.
About the Author
Dr. Asra Javeed earned her dental degree from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine. She understands how missing teeth can affect anyone, so she is here to help fill them in with dentures. By ensuring each one is custom, you can trust yours will feel snug and give your bite back. Over time, the fit will change, so Dr. Javeed is here to get them back to pristine. If your dental prosthetic is feeling loose, schedule an appointment or call her office at (757) 498-6420.