Ignoring Denture Problems: How Neglect Can Lead to Dangerous Consequences

Dentures can offer significant functional and aesthetic benefits, enhancing your quality of life. However, they need proper care and maintenance. Neglecting the upkeep of your dentures can lead to various oral health issues that might impact your comfort and daily activities and could potentially pose risks to your overall health. In this blog post, we’ll examine the possible consequences of neglecting denture care and discuss the importance of regular maintenance to help manage your health and the condition of your dentures.

Neglecting proper denture care can also escalate the risk of developing gum disease. When dentures don't fit correctly, they can create pockets between the denture and the gum line, allowing food particles and bacteria to accumulate. This buildup might lead to inflammation, infection and gum disease, which, if left untreated, may even affect surrounding teeth. Maintaining well-fitting dentures and regular cleanings are vital in preventing these potential health issues. Visits to a professional can help keep your dentures and gums healthy.

Ignoring issues with dentures can significantly impair basic daily functions, such as eating and speaking. Ill-fitting dentures can lead to sore spots in the mouth, making it painful to eat, which might cause one to avoid certain foods, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies. Moreover, dentures that do not fit properly can slip or click while speaking, causing embarrassment and impacting clear communication. Regular check-ups and adjustments are crucial to ensure that your dentures fit comfortably and function as intended, supporting overall health and confidence.

Ill-fitting or unclean dentures might lead to mouth sores, irritation and infections, which can affect overall health and quality of life.

Common Issues:

• Mouth Sores: Friction from dentures that don’t fit properly can cause painful sores in your mouth.
  
• Infections: If bacteria and fungi are not adequately cleaned from dentures, they might lead to oral infections such as stomatitis and thrush.
  
• Irritation: Continuous discomfort from ill-fitting dentures can result in chronic inflammation, making it uncomfortable to wear your dentures.

Regular check-up with your prosthetist is recommended to monitor the fit and cleanliness of your dentures, which may help manage these painful and potentially serious issues.

Inadequate denture hygiene may have wider effects on general health, potentially heightening the risk of systemic issues such as heart disease and respiratory problems. Studies suggest that bacteria from the mouth could enter the bloodstream, possibly influencing the development of heart disease.

Additionally, bacteria from unclean dentures might be aspirated into the lungs, leading to respiratory infections like pneumonia. This is particularly a concern for older adults. Besides these physical health considerations, persistent oral health issues might influence one's overall quality of life.

Discuss Your Needs with Our Team

At The Denture Care Group Sunshine Coast, we recognise the challenges you might encounter with your dentures. We're here to help you ensure your dentures are well-maintained and comfortable. If you have concerns about your dentures impacting your quality of life, we encourage you to get in touch with us.