They slip, they slide, they make it harder to chew and speak clearly – ill-fitting dentures can definitely be a nuisance. If you visit your dentist in Jacksonville Beach for a prompt reline or replacement, it’s likely that that’s all they’ll be: a cause of irritating but relatively benign discomfort. However, wearing a poorly sized set of dentures for too long can cause more serious problems, including oral cancer.
Keep reading to learn more about how ill-fitting dentures can become a slippery slope for your dental health.
The Link Between Ill-Fitting Dentures & Oral Cancer
As you age, your oral structure goes through natural changes that can make your once perfectly customized dentures no longer a good fit for your smile. When this happens, they tend to slip and slide out of place, chafing your gums and other soft oral tissue. Most of the time, the result is a “simple” mouth sore or ulcer.
The problem arises when chafing becomes chronic. Near-constant friction damages tissue cells and triggers inflammation, leaving your mouth vulnerable and increasing your risk of infection and cellular changes. Since cancer is more likely to form when cells mutate, this can put your oral health in a dangerous position.
Tobacco and Alcohol Can Complicate the Problem
What’s more is that tobacco products and heavy alcohol consumption can increase your risk of oral cancer even further. The chemicals in tobacco are strongly associated with oral cancer, are known to damage cells, and slow down the healing process. Alcohol, meanwhile, can irritate damaged oral tissue, making it easier for carcinogens (chemicals that can cause cancer) to reach and mutate cells.
Protecting Your Oral Health and Wellness
Oral cancer can be fatal, but it is extremely treatable when caught in early stages. This is one good reason why your dentist in Jacksonville Beach always performs an oral cancer screening during routine checkups. But, obviously, it’s best to avoid oral cancer entirely if possible!
To that end, it’s important to know the signs of ill-fitting dentures so you know when it’s time to schedule a reline appointment. Here’s what you should watch out for:
- Difficulties or discomfort while chewing
- Tender, raised bumps on your gums, lips, or inner-cheek
- Increased slippage
- Changes in speech, such as increased slurring
- A persistent bad taste or smell in your mouth
Remember, too, that you’re not alone in protecting your oral wellness. Your dentist can give you professional tips for maintaining your dentures and can evaluate how they sit in your mouth to ensure they’re a good fit. With their help, you can be more confident in the health of your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Fred Fox has been helping patients maintain their oral health for over 25 years. Decades of hands-on experience have made him develop a treatment philosophy that’s based on long-term solutions and addressing the root cause of a problem. If you think your dentures might be a poor fit or are concerned about oral cancer, Dr. Fox will perform a thorough exam and help you take care of your smile. To contact his office for an appointment, call 904-853-6888.