For a while now, you’ve noticed that your dentures don’t fit like they used to. They slip out of place more often, and you find eating more uncomfortable. You debate whether you should do anything about it. Is this situation really a big deal? Well, if you smoke or drink heavily with ill-fitting or neglected dentures, it could become one!
Studies have shown that poor oral health raises the risk of oral cancer. Although wearing dentures in and of itself won’t give you this condition, if you don’t properly care for them and your mouth, you could be one of the 54,000 people per year who contract this serious disease. Read on to learn more about how ill-fitting dentures and oral cancer are connected and what you can do to safeguard your health.
Causes of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer predominantly occurs in patients with excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use. However, those who have neglected dental hygiene for many years have an increased chance of oral cancer as well. Essentially, oral cancer develops when prolonged or chronic inflammation alters or mutates the cells in the soft tissues of the mouth faster than the body can heal itself. Unfortunately, because it is usually caught in later stages, oral cancer is one of the most deadly forms, killing one American every hour every day.
Why the Fit of Your Dentures Is Important
If you have ill-fitting dentures, it doesn’t automatically put you at a higher risk of getting oral cancer. However, it could indicate that you’re not caring for your oral health as you should. These dentures can also aggravate inflammation of the soft tissues by trapping food, tobacco, or alcohol between your gums and the prosthetic. When you have dentures that are seated properly in your mouth, this shouldn’t happen.
How You Can Prevent Oral Cancer
The main ways to avoid getting oral cancer have to do with its primary causes: stay away from tobacco products and control your alcohol intake. To lower your risk of gum disease and inflammation-causing bacteria, you should also limit your sugar consumption. Every day, thoroughly clean your dentures and your gums to prevent infection. Also, you need to be checked for oral cancer, as well as other oral conditions, by your dentist on a regular basis—at least every six months.
In addition to these essential prevention tips, you should also make sure that your dentures fit your mouth properly. Not only can this stop harmful irritation, but it can also feel more comfortable when you eat, talk, and smile.
You shouldn’t accept living with dentures that don’t feel right. Ultimately, when you take these steps, you can reduce your risk of oral cancer and make sure you have dentures that fit comfortably in your mouth.
About the Author
For Dr. David Thomas, the trusting relationships he builds with patients is the most important part of his job. He strives to provide a rewarding and even enjoyable experience while caring for his patients. After earning his dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh, he completed an AEGD residency at the Maricopa Institute of Health Services Hospital. If you have dentures that aren’t fitting properly, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Thomas by contacting Seahurst Park Dentistry through the website or by calling 206-244-4622.
