Franklin 
With age, your face will begin to change shape. This can cause your gum ridges and jawbones to shrink and result in your dentures becoming a bit loose. Dentures that tend to slip while you chew or speak can be much more problematic than you may think. Keep reading to learn how your dentures should fit, how ill-fitting dentures can cause problems for your overall health and the best way to correct the issue.
How Does A Proper Fit Feel?
When your dentures fit properly, your top denture should suction smoothly against your gums. Your bottom denture should float just above your gums while staying in place with minimal to no effort. A partial denture that fits properly will seamlessly fall in line with your natural teeth without moving or slipping. If they don’t fit as described above, it is a good idea to visit your dentist for an adjustment.
How Can Misalignment Affect Your Oral Health?
Ill-fitting dentures can create pressure and friction against your gums and cause swelling, soreness and blisters. It can also cause bleeding and possibly cause infection or gum disease. If you’re dealing with pain from your dentures, it can be difficult to eat. This means you may not be getting all of the nutrients your body needs to keep your body or your gums in good health. It can also allow food particles to get stuck between your gums and your denture and cause problems for your oral health. If your partial denture doesn’t fit well, the natural teeth it sits next to can become cracked or chipped. Dentures that don’t line up properly, saliva can pool near the corners of your mouth and lead to an overgrowth of yeast or an extensive bacterial infection.
How Can You Get a Proper Fit?
While denture adhesive can help secure your dentures, it is not a permanent fix. The FDA has been made aware of cases in which chronic use of denture adhesives that contain zinc has caused nerve damage, numbness and tingling sensations. If your dentures no longer fit properly due to your face changing shape, adhesives won’t be able to help. Your dentist is best equipped to fix ill-fitting dentures. Their special materials and tools specific to denture repair can give you the proper fit.
Dentures that don’t fit well can be hazardous to your oral health; so can poor dental care. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your dentures, gums and tongue every day, and soak your prosthetics in the denture solution your dentist recommends. Practicing proper denture care and having a consistent dental care routine is a great way to keep your prosthetics fitting and working properly for many years to come.
About the Author
At Franklin Dental Center, Dr. Donna Franklin-Pitts is dedicated to helping every patient achieve their healthiest and most beautiful smile. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University in Washington D.C. and is a member of the American Dental Association, the Smith County Dental Society, the East Texas Dental Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and more. If your dentures are not fitting as well as they used to, and you’re looking for a dentist with a gentle touch, contact the office at (903) 593-2330 or visit the website to schedule your appointment today.