How Can Ill-Fitting Dentures Be Life-Threatening?

If you have ill-fitting dentures, the issue can seem harmless. It’s not like the prosthetics are natural teeth, right? However, the truth is that this appliance can be life-threatening when it doesn’t fit well. Indeed, it can put you at high risk of developing oral cancer. You should thus adjust or replace your own if an ill-fit is apparent. To learn more, let your Edmonton dentist explain things. Here, then, is a summary of how poorly-fitted dentures make oral cancer likely and the common signs of them.

Ill-Fitting Dentures & Oral Cancer

There is, in fact, a link between ill-fitting dentures and oral cancer rates. More specifically, the former tends to raise the latter.

Current studies bear this truth out. In a recent meta-analysis, Sydney researchers found that those with poorly-fitted dentures saw a 290% increase in cancer risk. Therefore, such people are nearly four times more likely to suffer oral cancer than people without the appliance.

The reasons for this link aren’t well-known, but scholars have some ideas. One is dentures with a poor fit trap carcinogens – alcohol, tobacco, etc. – against the gums. Another is that the prosthetics irritate gum tissue enough to trigger cancer.

Signs of Ill-Fitting Dentures

Of course, it’s possible to tell if you have ill-fitting dentures. Just look for the following symptoms:

• Broken Teeth – If you drop your dentures or put excess pressure on them, you may break a tooth. Still, don’t try to fix it yourself – doing so will likely cause further complications.
• Chips or Cracks – You may notice chips, pitting, or cracks instead. These create sharp, uneven surfaces that irritate or cut oral soft tissues.
• Difficulty Chewing – When you first got your dentures, you may have needed time to adjust. If you struggle to chew later, though, it may indicate a need to refit your dentures.
• Pressure Sores – Pressure sores can develop if your dentures aren’t well-fitted. In particular, they’ll form in places on your gums where the appliance applies more pressure.
• Facial Shape Changes – Teeth play a large role in keeping your cheeks full and even; dentures perform this task too. Therefore, your dentures may need adjustment if your cheeks or jawline’s appearance changes.

See a dentist immediately if you notice any of the signs above. They may be able to perform a refit in some cases. At the very least, they can replace the ill-fitting dentures with properly-fitted ones.

Ultimately, ill-fitting dentures aren’t harmless. They can lead to oral cancer if left unchecked. So, visit your dental provider if your prosthetics aren’t working right.

About the Practice

Sherbrooke Family Dental is based in Edmonton, Alberta. Led by its trio of top dentists, our practice is dedicated to providing high-quality dentistry. To that end, we perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, not to mention emergency dental care. Our office also takes pride in being a certified provider of sedation services and Invisalign clear aligners. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (780)-455-8124.