Denture Health Part 3: Improving Loose Dentures

Dealing with Loose Dentures

Millions of Americans wear dentures to replace missing teeth.  While dentures are a wonderful, economical option to restore chewing function, they can lead to embarrassment and discomfort.  A loose denture can also disrupt the normal functions of speaking which can create frustration and embarrassment. But this post focuses on the problems that loose fitting dentures can create in your mouth if not addressed.  Finding the right fit is critical to the comfort and function of your dentures as well as your overall oral health.

Problems Caused by Poorly Fitting Dentures

Without a good suction effect and adapted muscle control, dentures become loose.  A loose denture leads to a wide variety of problems.

• Sore Spots: Just as a loose shoe will rub a sore spot on your heel, a denture that moves around can rub sore spots into the gums.  These sore spots often become painful ulcers, and the only way to heal them is by not wearing the denture for an extended period of time.

• Embarrassment: Imagine talking to a friend, and your denture loosens and drifts down while speaking!  Or blowing out your birthday candles, and you blow out the denture, too.  You may be unable to eat in front of others for fear the dentures will move around.  The potential for embarrassing situations with a loose denture is extremely high.

• Poor Chewing Function: Loose dentures can produce very little chewing force, so you are unable to properly chew your food.  People with loose dentures often avoid certain types of food that are tough or chewy.  Even starches like bread and potatoes become sticky during chewing and easily dislodge a loose denture.  They often avoid meats and crunchy vegetables.  Because of this, loose denture wearers can suffer from malnutrition.

• Avoidance of Social Situations: Rather than suffer embarrassment from a loose denture, some people choose to avoid social situations.  This leads to a poor quality of life in most cases.  Some studies show that a lack of social interactions actually increases your risk for dementia with aging.

• Increased Risk of Oral Cancer:When a denture fits poorly, it causes irritation to the gum tissues below.  This irritation leads to sore spots and chronic inflammation.  This chronic traumatic inflammation leads to a higher risk for oral cancer.

In addition to the increased risk for cancer from chronic inflammation, denture wearers have a higher risk for later stages of oral cancer.  Once you have all of your teeth removed, it is easy to assume you no longer need dental care.  This is a dangerous myth!  Even denture wearers need to see a dentist once a year for oral cancer screenings.  Early detection of oral cancer is the key to a good survival rate!

Are you experiencing these health issues caused by loose dentures? 

Call your nearest Premier Dental of Ohio location today to schedule a denture consultation with one of our dentists.  We can help you choose the option that will best meet your denture needs.