Losing teeth can impact your smile’s appearance and functionality, but thankfully, you don’t have to live with the changes forever. Your dentist can provide you with lifelike dentures that are customized to look just like the teeth that went missing to rebuild your grin. With them in place, you can enjoy meals and conversations more like you used to.
However, it’s important to care for your restoration properly to avoid dental issues. For instance, did you know that wearing ill-fitting dentures is statistically significantly associated with having oral cancer? This is especially true for those who use tobacco or imbibe alcohol on a regular basis. Continue reading to learn more about how you can avoid this potentially fatal condition!
Are Ill-Fitted Dentures Dangerous?
Your dentures are fully customized at every step of their creation to fit your mouth like a glove. In an ideal world, they would fit perfectly in the long run, but the reality is that your jaw starts to thin once your teeth fall out. Without a root in place to stimulate new bone growth every time you bite down or chew, it starts to deteriorate. In time, your artificial teeth can become loose or have challenges remaining in place.
One meta-analysis completed in 2014 found that wearing dentures that don’t fit correctly can potentially increase your risk of oral cancer by up to 290%! When your prosthetics are loose in your mouth, they can irritate your gum tissue and cause sores or blisters. These can become infected by bacteria in your mouth and develop disease or decay in your jawbone. Furthermore, if you smoke cigarettes, vape, or chew tobacco, nicotine and carcinogens can damage your soft tissue and contribute to dental decay. In time, these issues can evolve into more dangerous concerns, like cancer.
How Can I Avoid Oral Issues with Dentures?
Quitting bad habits like smoking or drinking alcohol greatly decreases the risk of oral cancer, with or without dentures. Many patients struggle with leaving these addictive behaviors behind them, but it’s worth it to preserve your grin. Also, you should remove your artificial teeth twice daily to thoroughly clean them. This consistently removes plaque buildup and eradicates unwanted germs. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild dish soap that won’t abrade the material and be sure to scrub all surfaces for a thorough cleanse.
One final thing you can do to preserve your grin is visit your dentist every six months for a routine checkup. They can monitor your oral condition and any dental work to ensure everything is in good shape and functioning as intended. Plus, they include an oral cancer screening with every standard appointment to help prevent this potentially life-threatening disease.
By taking the proper precautions and seeing your provider regularly, you can keep your smile happy and whole for the long term!
About the Author
Dr. Brent Whittaker offers a full range of services conveniently at one location to address all your dental care needs. He earned his dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. He takes the time to get to know you so that he can help you build and maintain healthy teeth and gums regardless of your current dental condition. If you’re worried that your dentures don’t fit well, you can request an appointment on the website or call (740) 725-8000.