FOR millions across the globe, dentures are a daily reality.
Seen as a straightforward, often one-time solution to tooth loss, they are tucked in at night and relied upon for eating and smiling by day.
Whereas a silent crisis is brewing in dental clinics: the severe, and often overlooked, dangers of ill-fitting dentures.
What many dismiss as a mere inconvenience is, in reality, a significant threat to our physical health, nutrition and overall wellbeing.
The truth is that dentures are not a “fit and forget” solution.
Our mouths are not static, they are mobile.
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Due to daily function, the jawbone that once supported natural teeth gradually shrinks (atrophy) and changes shape when those teeth are gone, a process called resorption.
This implies that dentures that fitted perfectly five years ago are certainly loose and unstable today.
To make matters worse, as the tissues are changing shape, the denture is also wearing and tearing each day, which is a recipe for a lot of complications.
Signs of an ill-fitting denture
The most immediate sign of trouble is discomfort, which can be brought about by sore spots and gum ulcers, which in some cases become chronic and infected depending on how old the denture is.
Chronic friction of an ill-fitting denture poses a lot of problems that include:
Hyperplastic growths
Defined as excess tissue forming on the gums due to proliferation of number of cells within the soft tissue which cannot subside on its own but rather require surgical removal.
Usually, hyperplastic growths are painless, but uncomfortable.
Oral thrush
A significantly higher incidence of oral thrush (candidiasis) is observed as candidiasis is a fungal infection, which is also opportunistic.
It usually manifest in the body when the immune system is compromised.
However, in this case due to the moisture and warmth created below the denture which is a conducive environment for fungal growth.
Oral cancer
The most alarming risk is oral cancer.
While not directly caused by dentures, chronic irritation and inflammation are known risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma, which is the most common type of oral cancer.
A denture that constantly rubs and wounds the same patch of tissue is a persistent assault that the body should not endure.
Often, people think that oral cancer is not really alarming, but did you know that oral cancer can also metastasise (spread to other organs)?
When it spreads to other vital organs, it will definitely become crucial.
Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the condition of the denture as well as the soft tissues in contact with it.
The nutritional crisis you cannot taste
One of the most harmful effects is on diet and nutrition.
Loose dentures make chewing difficult and often painful.
The natural response is to avoid hard, crunchy or tough foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and certain meats which lead people to gravitate towards soft, often highly processed foods white bread, cakes, mashed potatoes, ready meals because they are easier to chew.
Therefore, people begin to sacrifice essential fibre, vitamins and protein.
Over time, this can contribute to malnutrition, unintended weight loss, weakened immunity and digestive problems.
It is a particularly severe issue for the elderly, compounding other age-related health declines.
The social and psychological strain
The impact is not merely physical.
The fear of a denture slipping, clicking or even falling out during conversation or a meal is a source of profound anxiety for many.
Dentures or missing teeth are able to erode confidence completely.
You stop wanting to go out for dinner, you avoid laughing freely, you become hyper-conscious in every social interaction.
You start to isolate yourself.
The truth is: It is not vanity, it is a constant, low-grade fear that dictates your day to day life, you start to dim your light and shrink yourself to a point that you do not see yourself as someone worthy.
This social withdrawal is a direct path to loneliness and depression.
The very tool meant to restore a smile can end up stifling it.
The vicious cycle of bone loss
Ill-fitting dentures accelerate the very problem they sit upon.
A well-fitting denture stimulates the gum and underlying bone, somewhat slowing resorption.
A loose one, however, presses unevenly speeding up bone loss and creating a vicious cycle: bone loss makes dentures looser, leading to more bone loss.
Over decades, this can lead to facial collapse, where the jawbone deteriorates so much that it alters facial structure, shortening the distance between nose and chin, deepening wrinkles and giving a prematurely aged appearance.
Hence, young people will begin to looker old and old people even older.
Why do people put up with it?
The reasons are multifaceted.
Many assume discomfort is just part of wearing dentures.
Of course, during the adaptation period in the first months, discomfort is to be expected, which can last for almost a month or so.
Whereas others are always daunted by cost, with private dental fees for new dentures or implant-supported solutions seeming impossible.
Some simply do not realise how much better modern, well-fitted dentures can feel and function.
What is the solution?
One thing for sure is that suffering is not necessary, suffering actually brings more problems than do you any good.
It is important to:
Get regular dental check-ups even if you have no natural teeth, an annual review with a dentist is very crucial.
They can assess the fit, condition of your gums and the health of your oral tissues.
Recognise the red flags that include difficulty chewing, sore spots that do not heal for over two weeks, persistent mouth ulcers, a clicking or moving denture when you talk or eat, noticeable facial shape changes, or simply having had the same dentures for over five years.
Explore solutions: Sometimes you actually do not need a new denture rather just relinement of the denture whereby the dentist adds material to refit the denture.
However, if bone loss is advanced, new dentures designed for your current jaw shape will be needed.
Whereas for greater stability, implant-retained dentures which clip onto a few small implant can be life-changing, halting bone loss and restoring close to a natural function.
Prioritise oral hygiene: Dentures and gums must be cleaned thoroughly everyday to prevent infection and inflammation.
In conclusion, it is important to understand that an ill-fitting denture is a medical issue, not a cosmetic one.
Seeking help is an investment in your ability to eat, speak, socialise and live well.
No one should live in discomfort or fear because of a solution that is meant to help.