Normal aging causes small changes to the structure of the mouth. As a result, the dentures that may have fit you well before may be causing problems now, becoming loose and slipping at the most inopportune times.
Dentists know this, and that’s why they recommend that patients who have dentures come in regularly for checkups. You want to ensure that your dentures are kept in good shape and fit your mouth well.
Signs that your dentures do not fit your mouth properly include the following:
- Increasing denture movement when you eat or speak
- Inability to eat certain foods due to pain or instability
- Developing cuts and sores in the mouth that do not heal because they are continually agitated by the denture
- Blisters on the inside of the cheeks
- Foul-smelling breath
- Headaches and ear pain
- A bad taste in the mouth
Let’s talk about what can happen when your dentures become loose and are causing problems, and where you can go here in St. Paul for outstanding dental care for your whole family.
What Happens with Ill-Fitting Dentures
If you continue to wear poor-fitting dentures, the effects can increasingly become serious, including:
Gum Disease
Poor-fitting dentures can irritate the gums as the denture rubs against them, causing swelling of the gums. Swollen gums are more likely to develop sores, which can invite bacteria and infection.
Moreover, food can get trapped in between the gums and the dentures. All of these factors can create a hospitable environment for gum disease.
Nutritional Deficiency
With poor-fitting dentures, it becomes harder to chew food. It can soften your bite force. Since it hurts or is uncomfortable to chew food, you are likely to avoid eating certain nutrient-rich foods, like vegetables, fruits, and nuts. However, limiting your diet could lead to nutritional deficiency.
Angular Cheilitis
An uneven bite can cause saliva to pool in the corners of your mouth. This is the perfect environment for bacteria to proliferate. This could lead to an inflammatory condition called angular cheilitis, which causes red, painful, and swollen patches to develop in the corners of your mouth.
Jawbone Atrophy
Over time, poorly fitting dentures compromise jawbone health and can lead to the development of jawbone atrophy due to a lack of support. When this happens, it can cause the shape of your face and smile to change. A sagging appearance is common in those with jawbone atrophy.
Dentures Near Me in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
Dr. Steven Hagerman, at Hagerman Dental Care, is a top St. Paul dentist who designs dentures that are comfortable and functional. Dr. Hagerman knows the dangers of poorly fitting dentures, and he advises his patients to see him regularly for adjustments and whenever their dentures start feeling different or uncomfortable.
Compassionate, patient-centric care is what we provide here in our St. Paul dental clinic. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hagerman, call us now at (651) 646-2392 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to being your family dentist!