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Among the edentulous population (people who are missing all of their teeth), the majority will get dentures in order to perform everyday oral tasks such as eating and speaking; it’s not an exaggeration to say they can be essential for maintaining good quality of life. But what if your new teeth don’t fit in your mouth? Fortunately, this problem is generally easy to correct, but how will you be able to tell? Here are 4 signs that your dentures in Zionsville are the wrong size.
1. Slipping
Obviously, a poorly fitted denture will move around in your mouth. Slipping can occur when speaking or eating; you might also notice movement while sneezing or laughing. Sometimes the movement is accompanied by a clicking noise. As the shape of your jaw begins to change, your dentures may start to slip more often and will need to be relined or replaced.
2. Sores, Bleeding, and Pain
Even if you don’t notice your dentures moving, they can still rub against the gums. This can lead to irritation, sores, and even bleeding.
You might also notice pain in your mouth. While this can be the result of the sores and irritation, it might also occur beforehand. Sometimes ill-fitting dentures will have improperly balanced bite forces, meaning some areas in the mouth will experience too much force while chewing. Your dentist in Zionsville can examine the bite distribution of your false teeth to locate the problem areas.
3. Difficulty Eating
After the initial adjustment period, dentures should allow you to eat almost anything you want (though very hard or sticky foods will still present difficulties). Speak with your dentist if you feel like you’re still having too much trouble eating even after allowing time to adjust. If you find that you’re having trouble with foods that you were previously able to eat just find with dentures, it’s a sign that they don’t fit properly anymore.
4. Hygiene Problems
While some food residue on the outside of the dentures is natural, you should be cautious of too much buildup on the inside. This can lead to yeast infections and other health problems, causing your gums to become swollen every time you put your false teeth it. Thoroughly clean your dentures on a regular basis; if you still experience infections or excessive residue buildup, you may need to get a seal or a replacement.
If poorly fitting dentures aren’t replaced, not only will the chronic inflammation, sores and infections be very painful, but your risk of oral cancer will increase as well. Never ignore any signs that your dentures don’t fit properly; it’s always better to protect your comfort and your health by seeing the dentist in Zionsville as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Angelo M. Julovich loves working with his hands and creating beautiful smiles for patients with missing teeth. At his practice, Trinity Dental, he offers dentures for patients who have lost an entire row of teeth so that they can continue to enjoy life while eating most of their favorite foods and speaking with confidence. To schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (317) 769-3335.