If you’re struggling with slipping dentures, you may not think there is too much to worry about. After all, with the help of some denture adhesive, you can barely tell a difference in your bite. In reality, ill-fitting restorations can increase your chances of developing oral cancer, which negatively affects both your oral and overall health. With this in mind, keep reading to learn the link between ill-fitting dentures and your overall wellbeing and some must-know tips for keeping your smile happy and healthy.
The Link Between Ill-Fitting Dentures & Your Overall Health
The most well-known risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. However, recent studies have found a correlation between poor oral health and head and neck cancer. Wondering how dentures factor in? In short, ill-fitting ones can trap food particles, tobacco, alcohol, and other debris against your gums, resulting in long-standing inflammation. If left untreated, the infection-fighting cells designed to repair your immune system can mutate, increasing your chances of them turning cancerous. So, while the prosthetic teeth themselves will not cause oral cancer, neglecting to care for them properly can certainly increase your risk.
Your Dentures Don’t Fit – What Should You Do Next?
If your dentures don’t fit, don’t panic. Since this smile-rebuilding restoration doesn’t preserve your bone density, your jawbone will naturally shrink over time. As a result, you need to visit your dentist regularly for adjustments. If it’s been more than a decade since you’ve upgraded your dentures, then a replacement may be the best option. Don’t worry – your dentist will review all of your choices in-depth during your appointment so you can both decide the next best steps.
6 Important Tips for Patients with Dentures
Dentures have come a long way over the last few decades. With that being said, they do require some care on your end to stay in pristine condition. Here are a few best practices to implement (if you aren’t already):
- Brush your dentures (and any remaining teeth) both morning and night with the right tools.
- Avoid unhealthy dental habits, like using tobacco products and chewing on ice.
- Soak your dentures daily in a denture-approved cleaner to remove plaque and bacteria.
- Have your dentures checked regularly.
- Eat a well-balanced, vitamin-rich diet.
- Wear SPF on your face and lips.
Oral cancer can affect anyone. However, since patients with dentures potentially have a higher risk, it’s important to be vigilant. If your restorations no longer fit snugly, then get in touch with your dentist right away!
About the Author
As a prosthodontist with more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Steven H. Feit is an expert and restoring healthy, happy smiles. He attended New Jersey Dental School before earning his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Prosthodontics – he’s been helping patients ever since! Dedicated to continuing education, he completes over 100 hours of additional training each year. So, if you’re struggling with slipping dentures or you’re interested in learning more about tooth-replacement solutions, don’t hesitate to visit his website or call 561-338-7535.