Slipping, Sliding, and Soreness: 5 Denture Complications You Should Know

As with all dental treatments, a denture is supposed to help—not hurt. When your prosthetic fits properly, it can be truly transformative for quality of life, supporting your facial structure, and making it easier to eat and speak. But when it doesn’t? Even small flaws can cause big problems. If your dentures have started to feel loose or uncomfortable, here are five complications to watch out for.

1. Sore Spots and Mouth Irritation

An ill-fitting denture can rub against your gums and soft tissues, leading to painful sores or raw spots. These irritated areas often become inflamed or infected, especially if you wear your prosthetic for long periods or don’t clean it properly. If this happens to you, it’s not something to “tough out.” Give your dentist a call!

2. Difficulty Eating

Chewing can be difficult with your denture until you’ve mastered how to balance it. But it becomes a real challenge when it gets loose. You might start avoiding certain foods, eating less, or swallowing improperly—all of which can affect your nutrition and digestion.

If your diet is suddenly full of soft foods and frustration, it’s probably not your eating habits—it’s your denture!

3. Speech Issues

How you talk depends a lot on how your tongue and lips interact with your teeth. If your denture is constantly slipping, it can cause slurred or muffled speech, making it hard to communicate clearly or feel confident in conversation.

If you’re constantly adjusting your prosthetic mid-sentence, it may be a sign something’s off.

4. Accelerated Jawbone Loss

A lesser-known, but devastating complication of an ill-fitting denture is accelerated loss of bone in your jaw. When your denture doesn’t fit snugly, it doesn’t distribute pressure evenly, which can lead to jawbone shrinkage over time. This can create a frustrating cycle of discomfort that requires professional intervention.

5. Increased Risk of Infections

A poorly-fitting denture can trap food and bacteria, especially around areas that rub or shift. Over time, this creates the perfect environment for fungal infections like denture stomatitis or painful gum conditions like periodontitis.

To combat this, you’ll need excellent oral hygiene, good denture maintenance and the help of a trusted dental professional.

No matter what issues you face with a loose prosthetic, the solution is always to get help. While there are some temporary ways to give your prosthetic its grip back, eventually your dentist will need to intervene for the sake of your oral health. So, don’t wait—call your dental team today and get your smile back on track to comfort and stability!

About the Practice

At Applegate Dental, our team loves helping patients achieve glowing smiles with comprehensive treatments. If your dentures are giving you grief, we’re happy to examine your mouth, identify issues, and give you solutions that work. Don’t let denture sores get you down, call (716) 668-4646 to schedule an appointment with us or visit our website to discover a full menu of other services.