No matter what material your dentures are made of, if they are cared for and maintained properly, they should last for years. Overall, your dentures should fit snugly and comfortably but dentures can become loose for a variety of reasons.
Causes of Loose Dentures
The most common reason for loose dentures occurs when your gums begin to shrink and change shape because they are no longer being used to hold your teeth in place. This condition is known as bone resorption.
Other reasons you may have loose dentures may include:
- Everyday wear and tear
- Chewing or biting down on hard or chewy foods
- Improper care of your dentures
- Not cleaning your dentures correctly
Correcting Loose Dentures
By not correcting the fit of your dentures you are affecting more than your oral health. Loose dentures can affect your ability to eat and speak. They can be uncomfortable to wear. There are several things you can do to have your loose dentures made more comfortable, they include:
- Relining your dentures
- Remaking your dentures
- Using a stronger denture adhesive until you get to the dentist
If your dentures begin to loosen, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist for an adjustment. If you have an issue with bone resorption and it is occurring at a faster rate, you may have to see your dentist more regularly for adjustments.
