After years of living with your dentures in Greensboro, are they beginning to cause you discomfort? You can avoid additional pain by being proactive and scheduling an appointment with your dentist instead of waiting until it’s too late. Typically, traditional dentures last between five and 10 years, so if you’ve had yours for a while, it may be time to get them repaired or replaced. Read on to learn 4 signs that your restorations are ill-fitting so you can be proactive.
Difficulty Chewing and Speaking
When you first got your dentures, you probably went through an adjustment period where it was difficult to chew and speak. If after years later, you’re beginning to experience these difficulties again, it’s most likely because your restorations don’t fit you properly anymore. Your dentures should securely suction to your gums or be held by denture adhesive. If you’re beginning to hear a clicking sound or have increased difficulty chewing, it could mean that the shape of your gums has slightly changed, making it more difficult to complete these tasks because your dentures aren’t securely fit to your mouth. You may also experience slurred speech and develop a lisp as well.
Oral and Pressure Sores
One common sign of ill-fitting dentures is oral sores. These aren’t just uncomfortable and sometimes even painful, but they can also develop into infections and cause additional oral health problems down the road. Pressure sores can be developed if your dentures aren’t evenly distributing the force of your bite across your gums, which is a good indicator that your restorations need to be adjusted. Loose restorations can also exacerbate existing oral canker sores and raw patches of oral tissue or cause thrush, which can erode your gum tissue.
Irritated Gums
When you first got your dentures, they were a new object in your mouth, and your gums may have felt sore for a week or so. If after years, you’re beginning to notice that your gums look irritated, raw, inflamed, or are bleeding, these are signs that your dentures could be damaged. You can fight off these symptoms by maintaining your oral hygiene routine and regularly clearing your mouth of harmful bacteria, but be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Difficulty Cleaning Them and Persistent Odor
Despite regularly caring for your dentures by brushing and rinsing them every day, have you noticed that they’re beginning to have a funky smell? Be sure to inspect them for any cracks and fissures that could be accumulating food particles. Also, be mindful of any staining and discoloration. If you notice any lingering odor even after thoroughly brushing and sanitizing them, this could indicate that there’s a structural issue.
Be sure to schedule a checkup and cleaning with your dentist in Greensboro every six months to be proactive and ensure that your oral health is in the best shape. They can also inspect your restorations for you if you have any concerns. If your dentures have come to the end of their lifespan, be sure to ask about the advanced restorative procedure, dental implants. These offer a slew of additional benefits that traditional restorations can’t.
About the Author
Dr. David Fisher is passionate about all aspects of dentistry and enjoys restoring and crafting patients’ smiles. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Guilford County Dental Society. He focuses on optimizing his patients’ oral health and giving them a beautiful new smile with dentures and dental implants. For questions or to schedule a consultation for a restoration, visit his website or contact 336-288-1242.