Dentures are meant to restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. However, when dentures don’t fit properly, they can cause more harm than good. Ill-fitting dentures not only create discomfort but can also lead to a number of oral health issues if left unaddressed. Understanding the potential complications is the first step in knowing when it’s time to see your dentist for an adjustment or replacement. Here are 5 common problems that can arise from dentures that don’t fit the way they should.
1. Sore Spots and Mouth Irritation
When dentures are too loose or rub against your gums, they create friction. Over time, this can lead to painful sore spots, inflammation, or ulcers inside your mouth. These open sores increase your risk of infection if bacteria enter the irritated tissue. Persistent irritation may even make eating and speaking uncomfortable, which can affect your daily quality of life.
2. Difficulty Chewing and Speaking
One of the main benefits of dentures is restoring function, but poorly fitting ones do just the opposite. If dentures shift while chewing, you may struggle to break down food properly. This could lead to digestive issues since food isn’t chewed as thoroughly before swallowing. Similarly, loose dentures can affect speech clarity, making it harder to pronounce certain words. This can be frustrating and embarrassing in social settings.
3. Bone Resorption and Jaw Changes
When dentures do not fit snugly, they fail to provide even pressure across your gums and jawbone. Over time, uneven pressure can accelerate bone resorption, the natural process where the jawbone shrinks after tooth loss. As bone loss progresses, the shape of your mouth changes, making it even harder for dentures to fit properly. This cycle often leads to the need for frequent adjustments or new dentures altogether.
4. Increased Risk of Oral Infections
Ill-fitting dentures create small gaps where food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped. This can cause bad breath, gum inflammation, or oral infections such as stomatitis (inflammation of the lining of the mouth). In some cases, fungal infections like oral thrush may develop. These conditions not only cause discomfort but can also require medical treatment if they worsen.
5. Facial Appearance and Self-Confidence Issues
Your dentures do more than replace missing teeth—they help support the structure of your face. When they don’t fit properly, your cheeks and lips may appear sunken, giving your face an aged or tired look. On top of that, loose dentures can slip at awkward moments, causing embarrassment during conversations, laughter, or meals. This can lead to a decline in self-confidence and reluctance to engage socially.
Ill-fitting dentures are more than just an inconvenience—they can negatively affect your oral health, digestion, and overall confidence. If you notice sore spots, difficulty chewing, or changes in how your dentures feel, don’t ignore the signs. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to have your dentures relined, adjusted, or replaced.
About the Author
Dr. Vidya Kini Kukkundur has been practicing dentistry in South Jersey for 13 years. She is a graduate of the New York University College of Dentistry and stays current in her field through memberships in organizations such as the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, and Spear Education. If you’re looking to replace your look, functionality, and confidence, Dr. Kukkundur and our team can outfit you with dentures! Schedule an appointment online or call our Marlton office at (856) 596-4333.