If you've had dentures for a while, you might forget they are there. However, feeling pain or discomfort can be a rude reminder that you have them.

In fact, the pain or discomfort can turn your dentures into a preoccupation. But you don't have to suffer from the problems caused by loose dentures. This guide will explain why this happens, the potential implications, and how to resolve it.

Loose Dentures: Common Causes

Knowing the cause of loose dentures is the first step since it could impact the solution and, in some circumstances, help prevent a repeat incident in the future.

Bone Loss

When you lose teeth and replace them with dentures, you're at risk of bone loss in the jaw. That's because the bone lacks the stimulation from an attached tooth and starts shrinking. When this happens, your dentures won't fit as tightly against the gums as when you first had them fitted.

Wear and Tear

Dentures, like natural teeth, are prone to wear and tear from everyday pressure. Chewing on hard or rubbery food can cause dentures to loosen over time and wear down the denture material. You may notice your dentures feel loose or spot a gap between your dentures and gums that wasn't there before.

Issues With Your Gum Tissue

Gum tissue plays an essential role in oral health. Aging, weight loss, and poor care can all impact gums, making the tissue shrink or swell. Since dentures are designed to fit snugly to the gums, any changes to this tissue can create a looser fit. You could find your dentures moving around when eating.

A Poor Fit

Your dentures may be loose because they were not correctly fitted when you first had them molded to your gums. This can also happen if the gum shape changes after you have the original fitting. You'll notice a loose movement in your dentures when they lack alignment.

Signs of Poorly Fitting Dentures

Spotting a poor-fitting denture is essential so you can begin the process of getting it resolved with your dentist. Here are some of the signs to watch for:

• The dentures shift out of place when speaking or eating
• They irritate the gums
• They feel sore around the gumline
• They feel painful to wear
• You avoid eating particular foods
• You hear clicking sounds when you speak

Don't ignore these signs or live with the discomfort. Visit the dentist so they can examine the dentures. If the issue is left, it could cause further problems with the gums or potentially some bone loss.

Side Effects of Loose Dentures

Loose dentures can have wider repercussions. Gums can become inflamed, and you may develop sores or bone loss.

You could also face dietary issues. Problems with chewing could lead to poorly digested food, and avoiding certain foods may have nutritional consequences.

You may face issues with your speech, either avoiding conversations or struggling to form the words. All this underlines the importance of excellent oral health and well-fitting dentures.

Fixing Loose Dentures: Short-Term Options

There are some temporary solutions If you need to handle an emergency situation with loose dentures before you get a permanent fix. However, it's essential to understand these are only short term, and you must make an appointment with a dentist for a proper fix. Short-term solutions include:

• Using dental adhesive
• Soft lines
• Reline kits

An adhesive is probably the most common solution. It provides extra grip to your dentures to stop them from moving. Soft liners add a comfortable cushioning solution, so they may be an option if you experience gum pain. A reline kit is an at-home kit to reshape the denture base.

However, these are temporary and not a substitute for visiting your dentist for a permanent refit.

Long-Term Fixes for Loose Dentures

Any problem with loose dentures requires professional help from your dentist to ensure a long-term fix. Here are some of the most common long-term solutions they may offer.

Denture Relining

A professional dental relining of the dentures is a popular way to handle this problem. When you visit your dentist, they will reshape the denture lining to better align with the shape of your gums. This will ensure your dentures feel more natural in your mouth and offer better comfort and stability.

There are two relining options available: soft relining and hard relining. The former uses a more flexible, soft material, whereas hard relining is more durable.

Denture Rebasing

Denture rebasing involves completely replacing the base of the denture while maintaining the false teeth. This is an option if your current denture base has begun to wear down. It offers dental patients a new base that can perfectly fit against the gum line and restore comfort and strength in the mouth.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are one of the most permanent options. They're durable, but they're also a more complex procedure. Dental implants are attached to the jawbone, which offers a stronger anchor to the dentures.

The advantage of this approach is that it can help maintain bone structure in the jaw to prevent further weakness and denture issues later.

How To Prevent Loose Dentures

Loose dentures can be more than an inconvenience. They cause pain and daily problems. Here are some ways to prevent it from happening:

• Attend regular dental checkups
• Avoid very hard or tough food
• Keep your dentures and gums clean
• Use a reputable denture adhesive

As with any other dental issue, good oral hygiene is a must. It's the best way to keep teeth pain-free and in excellent condition.

Loose Dentures: Take Action Today

Don't ignore the signs of loose dentures, especially if you are experiencing pain. Make an appointment with a San Diego professional as soon as possible to address the issue.

A+ Family Dentistry in San Diego has been a trusted dental practice in the area since 2002, and we cover every aspect of dental care. Our professional and supportive team can help you with any issue, including dentures. Book a consultation today.