Do your dentures slip? If so, it’s not as harmless as you may think. With age, your mouth and face change shape. Your gum ridges and jawbones can shrink, causing your dentures to become loose. This can put your oral health in jeopardy. Read on to find out how your dentures should fit, the complications that can arise from ill-fitting dentures, and what to do about it.
How Should They Fit?
Knowing how your dentures should fit is key to noticing when something is a bit off. When it fits well, your top denture should suction smoothly to your gums. Your bottom denture should float slightly above your gums while staying in place with minimal to no effort at all. A partial denture should fall in line seamlessly with your natural teeth without slipping or moving.
If your prosthetics don’t fit like this, you will definitely want to schedule a visit with your dentist to have them readjusted.
What Can Happen If They Don’t Fit?
If you wear your poor-fitting dentures, they are likely to rub against your gums and cause extra pressure and friction. This can result in swelling, blisters, soreness and may even cause bleeding! Who wants to eat when it hurts to chew? Not only will it be difficult to get the nutrients your body needs to perform properly, but food can also become lodged between your prosthetics and your gums and put you on a quick path to developing gum disease.
If you wear a partial denture that isn’t properly secured, it can cause your surrounding natural teeth to crack or chip. Misaligned dentures in West Allias can also lead saliva to pool near the corners of your mouth and cause an overgrowth of yeast that leads to a terrible bacterial infection.
What Can You Do to Correct This Issue?
Your first instinct may be to try and fix damaged dentures yourself, but this is one of the worst things you could do! Over-the-counter products are often comprised of chemicals that can cause the damage to your dentures to worsen or possibly make you sick. This is why you should schedule a visit with your dentist in Milwaukee at the first sign of trouble. They have access to special materials that are specific to denture repair that you will not be able to find anywhere else.
Taking proper care of your dentures and practicing proper oral care are the key to ensuring your prosthetics function properly. Brush your dentures, gums and tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush every day, and be sure to soak your prosthetics in water (not hot water) or the denture solution your dentist recommends.
About the Author
At Milwaukee Dental Implants, Dr. Barry Franzen is committed to making sure every patient has the beautiful smile they deserve. He earned his DDS degree from the Marquette University School of Dentistry and received his prosthodontic training at the University of Missouri and Truman Medical Center. In addition to dental implants and dentures, Dr. Franzen also offers preventive care, cosmetic dentistry and more. If your dentures are ready for an adjustment, contact the office at (414) 543-5432 or visit the website to schedule your appointment today.