Our oral health changes as we grow older. With age, you may become more susceptible to tooth loss. Dentures are often recommended to replace your missing teeth and restore your smile. While proper dental care and regular checkups keep your oral health in check, the ridge of the gums eventually shrinks, causing the dentures to loosen.

The effects of wearing loose or ill-fitting dentures can be immediately noticed. Unfortunately, many people fail to correct the problem right away, leading to additional issues including:

• Discomfort – Ill-fitting dentures can exert added pressure on the gums. The inner surface of the dentures rub against the gums, which can become irritating. This sensation may increase over time and develop into pain.
• Difficulty in Speaking – Loose dentures often result in impaired speech. This can make certain words difficult to pronounce, creating an eventual lisp in your speech patterns.
• Difficulty in Chewing – Although it may be difficult to chew certain foods with dentures, eating can be even more challenging with poorly-fitted dentures. This makes it hard to enjoy your favourite foods and maintain a well-balanced diet.
• Blisters – Blisters could develop if the dentures continue to rub against the gums and other areas of your mouth. Eventually, this can cause extreme pain and discomfort. It also increases the risk of infection and tissue damage.
• Bacterial Infection – Tissues exposed to blisters, cuts, or sores could become infected. Bacteria can easily enter through the open wounds in the mouth, leading to gum infection and stomatitis, a common oral infection caused by loose dentures.
• Fungal Infection – Wearing poorly-fitted dentures also increases the risk of developing thrush, a fungal infection characterized by painful white spots. This oral infection makes swallowing difficult. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body.

Caring for Your Dentures

Your dentures require proper, thorough care to keep them in good condition. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove leftover food and plaque from the surface, and make sure that you are doing the same for your tongue and gums. If you are not wearing your dentures, keep them in a glass containing clean water or denture solution.

Replacing Ill-fitted Dentures

When your dentures are starting to feel loose, it’s time to see a dentist for an adjustment. Worn out teeth in your dentures will also require replacement with new ones. It’s crucial to continue visiting your dentist regularly to check the fitting of your dentures.

Call Smiles Denture Care Centre at (519) 457-2800 for a free consultation. We are a full-service denture clinic in London, Ontario that can restore your smile.