When most people think about dentures, they think about the confidence that comes with the ability to smile, eat, and speak comfortably again. What they don’t often consider is that a restoration that no longer fits properly can quietly become a health threat! For patients who also use tobacco or consume alcohol, that risk is even more serious, as oral cancer can become a sad but real possibility. Here’s what you need to know.
How Ill-Fitting Dentures Cause Harm
Over time, the bone and gum tissue beneath your dentures naturally change shape through a process called resorption, which occurs due to tooth loss. This means that a denture that fits perfectly when it was first made may fit very differently five or ten years later.
When dentures no longer fit correctly, they create chronic friction and pressure on the soft tissues of the mouth. This repeated irritation can lead to sores, ulcerations, and areas of persistent inflammation. This is exactly the kind of long-term tissue trauma that creates an environment where abnormal changes that lead to oral cancer can begin to take root.
Add in tobacco use, which is already one of the most well-established oral cancer risk factors, as well as heavy alcohol use, another pertinent risk factor, and oral cancer’s likelihood begins to skyrocket.
Don’t Wait to Speak with Your Dentist
Even when you have dentures, you still want to visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings—and a large part of each of these visits is a thorough evaluation of your dentures. Your provider can determine whether your dentures are still fitting correctly and whether adjustments, relining, or a full replacement is needed.
Plus, every routine dental visit should include a thorough examination of the soft tissues of the mouth, including the gums, tongue, cheeks, palate, and floor of the mouth. Your dentist is trained to identify early warning signs of oral cancer that you may not notice yourself. For patients who use tobacco or alcohol, this screening is absolutely critical.
If you begin noticing warning signs or uncomfortable symptoms like loose dentures, sore spots, or changes in your bite, let your dentist know so you can get your smile back on track and protect your future oral health!
About the Practice
Our team here at Southlake Family Dentistry has proudly served the dental needs of patients and families in Fort Mill and the nearby communities for several years. With the talented Dr. Priya Chougule and Dr. Ashley Fasone leading the way, we offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options, including partial, full, and implant-retained dentures. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, you can call or reach out online for more information or assistance. Telephone: (803) 548-3342.