Dentures are the tried-and-true method for restoring your smile’s appearance and functionality after tooth loss. They’re versatile, so they can be adapted to your unique situation. Plus, they’re customizable, so you can look and feel like your best self.
However, caring for your dentures correctly is essential to avoiding serious oral and general health concerns. For instance, did you know that if they don’t fit, it can increase your risk of developing oral cancer, especially if you smoke or chew tobacco products? Continue reading to learn more about it!
Are Ill-Fitting Dentures Dangerous?
It’s normal to feel frustrated when your restoration, which once fit like a glove, starts to slip and slide in your mouth. If it no longer sits correctly, it can’t form a tight enough bond to remain in place. This makes it harder to eat and speak, and your prosthetics might become dislodged entirely or fall out of your mouth at an inopportune time. But can they become dangerous?
If your artificial teeth no longer sit correctly, it can lead to serious concerns. One study published by Oral Oncology in 2014 found that wearing poorly fitted dentures increased the risk of oral cancer by 290%. To make matters worse, only about half of people with oral cancer will live more than five years after their diagnosis. That means your loose restoration can potentially be life-threatening!
How Can I Safeguard My Smile with Dentures?
While the exact reasons for this heightened risk are unknown, it’s believed that the friction against your gum tissue can become infected and eventually trigger cancer. However, it could also be that it’s easier for harmful substances- like carcinogens from tobacco products- to become trapped against your gums all day. If you regularly smoke, vape, or chew tobacco, then one simple but effective way to increase your dental health is by quitting. If you’re struggling to leave this addictive habit behind, you might have better luck using nicotine patches.
You can also protect your grin by:
- Cleaning dentures consistently. You should remove them both morning and night to thoroughly scrub them with a soft-bristled brush and mild dish soap to avoid damaging them.
- Let them soak overnight. Give your gums a break while you sleep, and leave your prosthetics in a glass of water or soaking solution to eradicate up to 99% of germs.
- Rinse after meals. Run them under water to remove leftover food particles after eating, but don’t use hot water that can warp the base so it no longer fits.
- Keep your mouth clean. Also brush your tongue, gums, and the roof of your mouth to remove plaque and bacteria buildup.
Another great way to preserve your oral health is to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup. Your appointment includes an oral cancer screening, so if anything has developed, they can catch it and address it before it progresses.
About the Author
Dr. Alexandria Arditti has 7+ years of experience providing a full range of services to help patients build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the prestigious Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC, so you know you’re in good hands. She focuses on patient comfort and offers different relaxation techniques and amenities to help you feel at ease. Then, she utilizes state-of-the-art technology to quickly identify problem areas and develop individualized treatment plans to address them. If you’re concerned about ill-fitting dentures, you can request an appointment on the website or call (714) 592-4294.