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5 Signs You Need Your Dentures Adjusted

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When you buy well-made, properly fitted dentures, they can last for decades -- and maybe even the rest of your life. Unfortunately, your mouth shape may change, and dentures do also go through wear and tear. As a result, you may need to have your dentures adjusted or repaired from time to time. Here are five signs it's time to make an appointment with the denture repair specialist.

1. Your dentures wiggle as you chew

Sometimes, the wiggling comes on slowly, so you don't really realize that your teeth are moving more and more as you chew. You may compensate for it by chewing only on one side of your mouth or by always choosing soft foods. Pay attention the next time you eat something a bit chewy. If your dentures are wiggling or you're having to work to keep them from wiggling, you need to have them adjusted.

2. Your gums are feeling sore

Well-fitting dentures should not rub or irritate your gums. If your gums are feeling sore, are red, or are looking inflamed, it may be because your dentures are either too tight or too loose. Having them adjusted is important, so you don't develop permanent scarring and gum damage.

3. There are cracks in the dentures

If you see any cracks in the pink portion of your dentures, this is not normal. Your dentures need to be repaired, even if they still seem to fit properly. The cracks can hold onto bacteria and other pathogens, leading to bad breath and even infections of the mouth. 

4. Your jaw is aching

Sometimes, the first sign that something is amiss with your dentures is that your jaw starts to ache. You may feel the aches after eating or when you first get up in the morning. Usually, an achy jaw is the result of muscle stain when you've been compensating for loose dentures by clenching your jaw. It can also be the result of tight dentures putting too much pressure on your jaw. In some patients, the jaw pain soon worsens into a headache.

5. You have difficulty speaking

Do you find that you have trouble saying certain sounds, or has someone told you you're developing a lisp of some sort? The problem might be ill-fitting dentures. Your denture care service can adjust them, enabling you to speak more clearly.

If you're not sure whether your dentures require an adjustment, take them to a nearby denture service and ask them to take a look! For more information, contact a company like Michaels Dental.


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