What happens if you don’t replace your dentures?

A denture is an ideal way of fixing or dealing with lost tooth/teeth. There are many reasons why people choose dentures as restorative methods for damaged teeth. But you also have to pay attention to how you are maintaining and taking care of them.

Though dentures can last up to 5-8 years and sometimes even ten years if taken care of properly but at some point, you have to replace them. There are various signs that indicate the poor condition of the denture you are wearing. 

Some of the signs may include the old look of the denture or when they don’t fit properly. So to gain more information on the same and to know what can happen if you don’t replace your dentures continue reading.

What are the signs that you should replace your dentures?

Before going further, let us first discuss the signs that indicate you must replace your dentures:

• Your denture is too loose: With a well-fitting denture, you will only need friction to keep it in place while you chew and speak. During most day-to-day activities, your denture is in place due to the tight fit between your teeth and your gums. The denture will definitely need to be adjusted if it becomes loose or if it falls out of your mouth. It may also need to be substituted. 

• Difficulty in speaking: Dentures that fit loosely usually cause this problem. It may seem like you are slurring your words and sounding “slushy” if you have a loose denture. It may be necessary to adjust or replace your dentures so that you are able to speak clearly.

• Discoloration or damage: If your dentures show signs of damage, such as chips or cracks, or if they are loose, you must replace them as soon as possible. In addition, if your denture is looking discolored, then also you should consider getting a new one. While proper care can prevent yellowing and discoloration, drinking coffee, wine, or tea may cause them to become discolored over time.
• Discomfort and pain in the gums: A denture that fits properly and is in good shape will be pain-free. Changing your denture may be necessary if you start experiencing pain while chewing or biting. Likewise, if your gums are showing signs of lesions, you need to see a dentist immediately in order to refit or replace your denture.

Why is it important to replace dentures?

Generally speaking, replacements are needed for fit reasons. You may lose one or more teeth as your mouth changes as you age, your teeth shift, your gums change shape, your bone density may shrink, and you might even see some changes in your jaw bone structure. Once a year, your mouth should be examined to make sure that you are wearing nicely fitted dentures and that other oral conditions haven’t developed.

If you have been wearing your denture for a long time and you haven’t replaced it or gotten it checked even once, it can damage your gums. Eating hard or frozen foods while wearing an old or ill-fitted denture can make it lose. So, it is very vital to replace them before any extensive damage.

Wearing fake teeth or dentures for a long time without replacing them can cause the inability to clean them fully. In the same way as your own teeth, false teeth can also become stained and need to be replaced. Your dentist may suggest replacing them if you’ve been having issues getting gunk out of them over time to prevent bacteria from entering your mouth through those dirty areas.