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3 Reasons Your Dentures May Feel Too Tight

If you were recently fitted for dentures, you may be expecting that they will feel comfortable for years to come. This may not be the case because there are many factors that can cause your dentures to become ill-fitting, requiring denture repair and remeasuring. Here are three things that may cause your dentures to feel tight in your mouth and what you can do about them:

Gingival Hyperplasia

Gingival hyperplasia, or gum overgrowth, can cause your gums to grow out of control. Because of this, your dentures may feel too tight, leading to blisters, open wounds, and infection. One of the main reasons for gingival hyperplasia is the use of anti-seizure medication, however, other causes may also be to blame.

If you have gum overgrowth and notice that your dentures feel too tight, see your dentist as soon as possible. In addition, make an appointment with your physician, who will determine the cause of your gum problems. If your gum overgrowth is the result of your anti-seizure medication, your medical doctor may decide to lower the dose or recommend a different anti-seizure medication that is less likely to cause gingival hyperplasia.

Gum Abscess

A gum abscess, or severe infection of your gum tissue, can cause your gums to swell and change shape. If you have a gum infection, your dentist will examine your oral cavity to determine the appropriate treatment for your infection. He or she may recommend that you refrain from wearing your dentures until your abscess resolves.

Oral antibiotics may be the treatment of choice, however, it is important that you finish the entire course of your antibiotics because failing to do so may lead to the incomplete resolution of your infection. It may also heighten your risk for a resistant infection, destruction of gum tissue, and deterioration of underlying bone. 

Arthritic Conditions

If you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, you may experience pain and inflammation of your hips, knees, hands, and ankles. In addition, you may also develop changes in your jaw structure and oral pain. If your jaw develops arthritis changes, your dentures may feel uncomfortable and tight.

Treating arthritic conditions with medications can help keep you pain-free, however, the damage to your jawbone may be permanent. If you have arthritis or another degenerative bone condition such as osteoporosis, your dentist may need to take new measurements of your mouth to send to the dental lab so that you can get a new set of proper-fitting dentures.

If you have any of the above conditions and notice that your dentures feel too tight, see both your dentist (for denture repair and oral examination) and your physician. When you consult with both of these professionals, you are more likely to experience better overall health and long-lasting comfort with your dentures.