How Can Good Denture Care Reduce My Cancer Risk?

Unfortunately, oral cancer affects more than 50,000 Americans each year with approximately 10,000 deaths. These figures have not changed much in recent decades. It may be surprising to learn that poorly fitting dentures are a significant risk factor in this regard!

While they can’t cause cancer, when you have slipping dentures due to poor fit in conjunction with inadequate oral care, the irritation that develops can cause cells in your mouth to become cancerous. It’s not all doom and gloom, however, as there are plenty of warning signs to let you know it’s time to either reline your dentures, replace them, or switch over to implant dentures.

Keep reading to learn the signs you can see and some that you can’t.

What Are Some Visible Signs That I Need to Reline or Replace My Dentures?

If you notice any of these issues, be sure to act:

• Broken teeth: If this happens, do not try to reattach a tooth yourself, since it could result in an irregular fit and future problems.
• Cracks or chips: You don’t have to lose an entire tooth to downgrade the functionality of your dentures – cracks and chips need to be fixed, too. They create surfaces that can cut or irritate oral tissues.
• Changes in facial shape: Your dentures play a role in keeping your cheeks looking full and even just like natural teeth. If you notice changes in your jawline or cheeks, your dentures probably need to be relined.
• Pressure sores: They result from slipping dentures and offer evidence that you need to get them relined.
• Gum irritation: While this should not occur once you get used to your dentures, if it does, it may indicate a defect on their surface.
• Oral sores: Raw patches of tissue and canker sores may be due to fissures in the surface of your dentures, which is a sign to act.
• Stains: Look for stains when you clean your dentures. Your dentist can counteract most types of discoloration. When you see them about that, ask if you would be better off replacing them.

What Are Nonvisual Cues That I Need My Dentures Relined or Replaced?

There are some hints that you need to make a move regarding your dentures that you can’t see:

• Problems chewing: If you’ve had your dentures for a while and are only recently having issues with chewing, it may be time for a reline.
• Discomfort: If you notice uneven pressure, jaw soreness, or very sharp pain when biting down, be sure to see your dentist about it as soon as possible.
• Fit changes: Your top denture should have a smooth suction to your gums, while your bottom denture should float above your gums but stay in your mouth easily. Partial dentures need to stay in line with your teeth without having any significant movement.
• Changes in speech pattern: If you experience excessive salivation, lisping, or slurred speech well after you received your dentures, you may need a reline.
• Lingering odors: If you find that odors remain even after you’ve thoroughly cleaned your dentures, this can mean there’s a defect in the material.

To take preventive measures against oral cancer, avoid tobacco use and drinking alcohol heavily, and make sure to have your dentures checked regularly by your dentist. If you have done a reline before but are continuing to experience issues, it may be time to get a replacement set or look toward implant dentures. A consultation with your dentist can help you make the best decision.

About the Practice

At Gerome and Patrice Family Dentistry, we have proudly served families in Loveland for more than three decades. In that time, we’ve honed our skills for providing an array of dental services to meet the needs of each patient. We welcome patients of all ages and know that we will personalize a treatment plan to exceed your expectations. We can help you will partial dentures if you have several missing teeth, full dentures if you need to replace an entire arch, or we can combine dentures with dental implants for a longer-lasting solution. To schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (513) 677-1349.