When you first faced the reality of losing your teeth, getting traditional dentures likely felt like a relief. They promised to restore your smile and were a budget-friendly option. However, for many patients seeking dentures in San Diego, the initial relief eventually turns into long-term discomfort and unexpected health issues.
But here is the truth that many patients aren’t told during their initial consultation: Dentures are a cosmetic cover-up, not a medical cure.
While they replace the visible part of your teeth, they fail to replace the roots. This missing link triggers a slow, silent chain reaction in your body. From the structure of your face to the health of your heart and lungs, the long-term use of removable dentures can compromise your overall well-being in surprising ways.
In this comprehensive guide, we go beyond the smile to explore the question: Can dentures actually make you sick? The scientific evidence suggests that the answer is yes—but there is a modern solution that can reverse these risks.
Quick Summary: Health Risks at a Glance
| Health Concern | The Root Cause | The Consequence |
| Jawbone Loss | Lack of root stimulation | Facial collapse, protruding chin, and wrinkles. |
| Digestive Issues | Reduced chewing power (20%) | Acid reflux, bloating, and indigestion. |
| Malnutrition | Inability to eat hard foods | Vitamin deficiency and weakened immunity. |
| Pneumonia | Bacteria buildup on acrylic | Risk of aspirating bacteria into lungs while sleeping. |
| TMJ Pain | Unstable bite / Slipping | Chronic headaches and neck pain. |
The “Melting Jaw” Phenomenon: Bone Resorption
The most immediate and irreversible danger of wearing dentures is something you can’t see until it’s too late: Jawbone Resorption.
Your jawbone is very similar to a muscle—it follows the “use it or lose it” rule. When you have natural teeth, the roots stimulate the jawbone every time you chew or bite. This pressure signals your body to send nutrients to the jaw, keeping the bone dense and strong.
How Dentures Accelerate Bone Loss
Because traditional dentures sit on top of the gums, they do not stimulate the bone inside. In fact, the constant pressure of the denture rubbing against the gum ridge can actually accelerate the rate at which the bone dissolves.
The Result: Facial Collapse
Within the first year of tooth loss, you can lose up to 25% of your jawbone width, and this process continues for the rest of your life. As the bone shrinks, the lower third of your face begins to “collapse.”
- Your chin rotates forward (often called a “witch’s chin”).
- Deep wrinkles form around the mouth.
- Your lips thin out and fold inward.
This isn’t just about looking older; it’s about the structural integrity of your skull. Eventually, the jawbone becomes so thin that it becomes prone to fractures.
The Risks Of Wearing Dentures All Day
Many patients, out of embarrassment or habit, wear their dentures 24 hours a day. This is a dangerous habit that significantly increases health risks.
Why Your Gums Need to Breathe
Your gum tissue needs exposure to saliva and oxygen to stay healthy. Wearing dentures 24/7 creates a continuous “seal” that traps bacteria and fungi against the soft tissues.
Consequences of 24/7 Wear
- Denture Stomatitis: A painful inflammation and redness of the palate, often caused by a yeast infection (Candida) thriving in the moist environment.
- Accelerated Bone Resorption: Continuous pressure day and night speeds up the shrinking of the jawbone.
- Higher Infection Rate: Without a break, the bacterial load in your mouth skyrockets.
Digestive Distress: Why Your Stomach Suffers
Digestion doesn’t begin in the stomach; it begins in the mouth.
The Chewing Gap
Natural teeth can exert a bite force of 200-250 lbs. Traditional dentures? They often provide less than 20-25% of that power.
Because denture wearers cannot chew effectively, they swallow larger chunks of food. This forces your stomach to work overtime, leading to:
- G.E.R.D. (Acid Reflux): Excess stomach acid produced to break down unchewed food.
- Bloating and Gas: Caused by swallowing air along with food.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Aggravated by digestive stress.
If you are constantly reaching for antacids, your dentures might be the hidden culprit.
The “Soft Food Trap”: Malnutrition and Weak Immunity
When chewing becomes a chore, your diet changes subconsciously. You stop buying crisp apples, steaks, and nuts because they are too painful to eat.
Instead, you gravitate towards a “soft food diet”—mashed potatoes and processed breads.
The Nutritional Cost
Studies show elderly denture wearers have significantly lower levels of:
- Vitamin B12 & Iron: Essential for energy.
- Fiber: Crucial for heart health.
- Protein: Needed for muscle maintenance.
This “hidden malnutrition” weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.
The Respiratory Link: Aspiration Pneumonia
This is perhaps the most shocking risk factor. Removable dentures, especially those made of porous acrylic, are magnets for biofilm.
The Danger of Sleeping with Dentures
Research in the Journal of Dental Research found a significant link between wearing dentures during sleep and a higher risk of pneumonia.
Why? While you sleep, you may aspirate (inhale) microscopic saliva droplets containing bacteria from your dentures into your lungs. For seniors, this can lead to serious hospitalization.
Toxicity Risks: The Problem with Adhesives
To combat looseness, many patients rely heavily on denture adhesives (glues).
Zinc Toxicity and Nausea
In the past, high levels of zinc in adhesives were linked to neurological issues. While many modern brands are “Zinc-Free,” swallowing chemical pastes daily is far from ideal for your physiological health. Additionally, the taste and texture can cause chronic low-grade nausea, reducing appetite further.
TMJ Disorders and Chronic Headaches
When dentures slip, your jaw muscles must work overtime to stabilize them. You might find yourself clenching your jaw to keep your teeth in place. This unnatural tension leads to:
- Chronic tension headaches.
- Neck and shoulder pain.
- Clicking or popping in the jaw joint.
The Solution: Why All-on-4 Changes Everything
The health risks listed above all stem from two flaws: Lack of stability and Lack of root stimulation.
This is why All-on-4 in San Diego is considered the gold standard. Unlike dentures, this solution uses four titanium implants anchored deep into the jawbone.
How All-on-4 Reverses the Risks
- Stops the “Melting Jaw”: Implants act like natural roots, stimulating the bone and halting resorption.
- Restores 90% of Chewing Power: You can eat raw vegetables and meats again, solving malnutrition issues.
- No More Adhesives: It is a permanent, screw-retained solution. No glues, no chemicals.
- Better Hygiene: Implant bridges are non-porous and easier to clean, reducing the risk of respiratory infections.
Conclusion: Invest in Your Long-Term Health
It is time to stop viewing your teeth as separate from the rest of your body. The decision to stick with traditional dentures may seem cheaper upfront, but the long-term cost to your health can be steep.
Ready to reclaim your health?
If you are tired of the limitations of removable dentures, Dr. Fakhimi is here to guide you. We specialize in helping patients transition to permanent, healthy smiles. Contact Soft Touch Dental today to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can dentures cause heart problems?
A: Indirectly, yes. Poor oral hygiene associated with porous dentures can lead to gum inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the mouth has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Q: Why does my face look different since getting dentures?
A: This is due to bone resorption. Without tooth roots to stimulate the jawbone, the bone shrinks, causing the lips to fold in and the chin to protrude.
Q: Is it safe to sleep with my dentures in?
A: No. Sleeping with dentures increases the risk of pneumonia, gum inflammation, and fungal infections. You should remove them for at least 6-8 hours a day to let your gums breathe.
