How Ill-Fitting Dentures Can Be Life-Threatening

dentist holding dentures

In 2020, a lot of people in the United States, about 41 million, used dentures to help with their teeth. But if these dentures don’t fit well and someone uses alcohol or tobacco, it can cause serious problems. These problems can be really bad and might even be dangerous. Let’s talk about what could happen if your dentures don’t fit right and how you can try to avoid these problems.

Chronic Inflammation and Oral Cancer

Dentures that don’t fit well can rub against your gums a lot, which can make them sore all the time. This constant soreness can make your mouth and lips swell up, a problem called denture-induced stomatitis. Swelling is how your body reacts when it’s irritated or has an infection.

Sometimes, this swelling can hurt your cells, and if it lasts a long time, it might even make them grow too much, which can lead to cancer. So, it’s important to fix the problem before it gets worse.

How to Lessen Your Chances of Oral Cancer

Although wearing dentures by itself doesn’t directly lead to oral cancer, it’s important to understand the risks related to badly fitting dentures and not taking care of your mouth properly. To keep your dentures fitting well, it’s crucial to keep your mouth clean and see your dentist if your dentures don’t fit right. There are also other things you can do to lower your chances of getting oral cancer, like:

  • Drink responsibly – Research has shown that drinking too much alcohol is closely linked to a higher chance of getting different kinds of cancer, like those that affect the mouth, throat, breasts, colon, rectum, esophagus, voice box, and liver.
  • Cut out tobacco products – Smoking greatly raises the risk of many cancers, especially oral cancer. Smokers are about 10 times more likely to get oral cancer compared to those who don’t smoke.
  • Regular dental appointments – Regular dental check-ups are crucial, especially if you wear poorly fitting dentures, which can raise the risk of infection and swelling. To keep your mouth healthy, it’s best to see your dentist at least twice a year. During these visits, your dentist can check the condition of your mouth and dentures, making any needed changes to keep them in good shape.
  • Daily cleaning – It’s vital for denture wearers to maintain good denture hygiene. It’s advised to take out your dentures at night and clean them well to remove harmful bacteria and keep them in good shape.

Taking care of your dentures and prioritizing oral hygiene are essential steps in reducing the risk of potential health complications. By maintaining regular dental check-ups, practicing good denture hygiene, and avoiding harmful habits like excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use, you can help safeguard your oral health and overall well-being!

About the Practice

At Smile Rejuvenations of Southwest Florida, we strive to provide a comforting and secure atmosphere for our Bonita Springs patients. If you’re dealing with tooth loss, our dependable dentures offer a solution to renew your smile, letting you enjoy life to the fullest again. We’re deeply committed to our community, aiming to create a friendly setting that eases any dental worries you may have. Our services include fitting dentures to fill in gaps in smiles, ensuring they fit your mouth perfectly. For more details about dentures or to schedule an appointment, reach out to Smile Rejuvenations of Southwest Florida at (239) 300-2767 or visit their website.