Dentures can be a great solution for missing teeth. They allow patients to smile, speak, and eat with full confidence once again! It’s crucial to have your dentures regularly examined by your dentist in Buckhead to keep your oral health in optimal condition. Otherwise, they can lose their secure fit and result in problems beyond poor aesthetics and inconvenience. If you’re a denture wearer, read along to learn some complications that can arise from ill-fitting dentures.

Mouth Infections

Here are two mouth infections associated with ill-fitting dentures:

• Cheilosis – This infection causes pain, inflammation, and cracking at the corners of the mouth. It occurs when there’s an overgrowth of yeast that accumulates in moist areas of your mouth.
• Stomatitis – This infection is also caused by too much yeast, although it often goes unnoticed. Watch out for symptoms like mouth redness and small red bumps on the roof of the mouth.

Difficulty Speaking

It’s difficult to speak while your dentures are slipping and sliding around. People with ill-fitting dentures likely dread social situations because they’ve either developed a lisp or fear their dentures will fall out while talking.

Blisters

Since your dentures rub unnaturally against certain parts of your mouth, blisters may develop. It happens when the body attempts to protect affected tissues. However, they cause significant discomfort and an increased risk of damage and infection. If you develop an infection, the blisters can grow and multiply and lead to other severe dental problems.

Trouble Eating

Like speaking, it’s also hard to eat with ill-fitting dentures. They make it difficult to enjoy food comfortably and maintain a well-balanced diet. Plus, food particles can become lodged between your gums and dentures, leading to gum disease and infection.

Swollen Gums

If your dentures do not fit your mouth properly, they can rub against the gum tissue in unnatural ways. The extra friction and pressure against your gums can lead to swelling and irritation. Unfortunately, swollen gums are more likely to be injured or bleed when you wear dentures.

Soreness

Along with gum irritation, you’ll probably also experience increased sensitivity and soreness. If you already have a jawbone disorder, such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint), it can worsen your condition since it can also cause gum irritation. Unless you seek treatment, your symptoms will progress and become quite painful.

Headaches

Did you know that headaches are a common side effect of ill-fitting dentures? Most people may not realize the two problems are related, but your oral and bodily health are more connected than you think. Since ill-fitting dentures cause your jaw to hurt, it often makes your head hurt too.

If you suspect you are dealing with ill-fitting dentures, contact your dentist in Buckhead so they can get your smile back on track. Over the long haul, you will need excellent denture care, routine checkups and cleanings, plus good dental hygiene for the sake of your oral health.

About the Author

Dr. Peter Pate earned his dental doctorate from the University of Tennessee. While serving in the U.S. Army, he was a dentist at The Pentagon and Walter Reed Army Hospital. Dr. Pate is a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you are having issues with your dentures, he can adjust them for you or offer you new partials or full dentures. You can schedule a consultation on his website or call (404) 266-9424.