Why Ill-Fitting Dentures Could Ultimately Put Your Life In Danger

An ill-fitting denture certainly comes with its share of problems, such as causing pressure sores and making it difficult to chew your food. However, you may be tempted to think of it as a mere annoyance, which is unfortunately not the case. Research shows that ill-fitting dentures could potentially contribute to a life-threatening issue – namely, oral cancer. Here’s a closer look at this alarming connection and what you can do about it.

How Can Ill-Fitting Dentures Lead to Oral Cancer?

When dentures don’t fit properly, they can irritate the gums, leading to inflammation. This is significant because long-lasting inflammation can potentially damage the cells. Such damage can increase the risk of the affected cells becoming cancerous.

Furthermore, if you smoke or drink a lot, ill-fitting dentures can trap tobacco and alcohol particles. Both tobacco and alcohol are known risk factors for oral cancer, and they’ll have even more of a negative effect if they remain trapped in the mouth for a long period of time.

How Dangerous is Oral Cancer?

Needless to say, oral cancer can be very dangerous. It’s estimated to cause roughly one death every hour and results in over 12,250 deaths each year. The five-year survival rate of oral cancer is roughly 68%, but it largely depends on how early the disease is diagnosed; the more advanced it is, the more difficult it is to treat.

How Can You Decrease Your Risk for Oral Cancer?

Naturally, you will want to address an ill-fitting denture long before it can lead to oral cancer. Let your dentist know as soon as possible if your denture no longer seems to fit properly. They may be able to reline the prosthesis, or they can replace it altogether.

If you want to keep your risk for oral cancer as low as possible, you should also consider taking the following steps:

• Stay away from tobacco products.
• Cut down your alcohol consumption.
• Give your dentures and your mouth a thorough cleaning every day.
• Eat plenty of foods that are high in vitamin C (which is believed to help provide protection from oral cancer).

Don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year. This will give them a chance to examine your dentures and make sure that there aren’t any problems that you may have overlooked. On top of that, they can perform an oral cancer screening; if they find anything that you need to be concerned about, they’ll help you take the appropriate steps to have the problem properly diagnosed so that you can pursue the treatment you need.

About the Author

Dr. Bob Heil went to the University of Minnesota for his dental degree. He holds membership with the Wisconsin Dental Association as well as the American Dental Association. He offers dentures as a time-tested solution for patients who are missing most or all of their teeth. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Heil at Oshkosh Complete Dentistry, visit his website or call (920) 235-0320.