Not only can ill-fitting dentures lead to pain and soft tissue damage inside your mouth, they can also lead to digestive problems. If you develop stomach problems, make an appointment with your physician.

If he or she is unable to determine the source of your symptoms, a visit to your dentist may be in order. Your dentist will perform an oral examination and will check your dentures for proper fit. If he or she finds that your dentures do not fit properly, they may need to be relined by the dental lab. Here are some ways ill-fitting dentures can cause digestive problems and what you can do about them.

Consuming Too Many Soft Foods

If your dentures don't fit properly, your ability to chew will be compromised. Your chewing action may not be strong enough to effectively break down hard foods, and because of this, you may consume too many soft foods.

While some soft foods are nutritionally dense, many contain large amounts sugar and are high in calories. Also, many softer foods may be rich in fats, which can cause abdominal pain, bloating, excess gas, and diarrhea. In addition, soft foods often lack enough fiber to keep your gastrointestinal system healthy, which can lead to constipation. If you become constipated, drink plenty of fluids, get regular exercise, and see your doctor if you develop severe abdominal pain.

Swallowing Air

Another consequence of ill-fitting dentures is swallowing too much air when chewing for food. You won't be able to chew your food with normal jaw movements if you are trying to keep your dentures from slipping out of place, and because of this, a condition known as aerophagia may develop.

Also known as repetitive swallowing of air, aerophagia may cause severe bloating, excessive belching, abdominal pain, and gas pains. If you swallow too much air and are suffering from digestive problems because of it, take an over-the-counter anti-gas supplement containing simethicone.

This will help break up air bubbles in your gastrointestinal tract and relieve pain, pressure, and bloating. Also, chew your food slowly, and avoid drinking carbonated beverages with your meals, as this can further increase bloating and gas formation.

If your dentures do not fit properly, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.. When denture problems are recognized and addressed early on, you will be less likely to develop digestive problems as a result of improper dentition.