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I received new dentures about two months ago. Since then, the corners of my mouth have stayed red and cracked. Sometimes they split open when I yawn or try to take a large bite. I’ve tried lip balm, petroleum jelly, and an over-the-counter cream, but nothing has cleared it up for long.
The dentures also make my mouth look somewhat sunken, but my dentist says that is normal because I’m getting older. Could the dentures be causing the sores, or do I need to see a dermatologist?
Marilyn
Dear Marilyn,
The condition you are describing sounds like angular cheilitis, which causes painful inflammation and cracking at the corners of the mouth.
There are several possible causes of angular cheilitis, including a yeast or bacterial infection, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, dry mouth, and certain medications. However, because your symptoms began after you received new dentures—and you have noticed that your mouth looks more sunken—I suspect the dentures are the contributing factor here.
Your Dentures May Not Be Holding Your Jaws Far Enough Apart
When dentures are made, the dentist must determine the correct distance between your upper and lower jaws. This is called the vertical dimension.
If that distance is too short, your mouth closes farther than it should. The skin folds at the corners of your lips deepen. This leads to saliva collecting there. That constant moisture is a problem, which irritates the skin and creates an unholy playground where yeast and bacteria can thrive.
This can cause:
- Cracking or splitting at the corners of the mouth
- Redness, tenderness, or burning
- Repeated infections that improve temporarily and then return
- A collapsed or prematurely aged facial appearance
- Difficulty opening your mouth comfortably
While some facial changes occur naturally with age, a noticeable change immediately after receiving new dentures should not simply be dismissed as aging. That is your dentist blowing you off.
Treating the Sores Is Only Part of the Solution
There are ways to help with the sores as you get the underlying cause fixed. Your dentist or physician will need to determine whether the sores are a part of a fungal or bacterial infection. That way he or she knows whether to get you an antifungal or antibiotic medication. Please don’t continue experimenting with over-the-counter creams, especially steroid creams. Steroids can make some fungal infections worse.
Medication alone will not solve the problem, especially if the dentures are creating the folds where saliva collects. The vertical dimension of your dentures must also be corrected.
Unfortunately, this is not always something that can be fixed with a simple adjustment. If the teeth were positioned too short or the bite was established incorrectly, the dentures may need to be remade.
Get a Second Opinion
It doesn’t sound like your dentist is taking you seriously. Because of that, I recommend getting a second opinion from a dentist with experience creating high-quality dentures. Do not tell the second dentist what your current dentist said. Simply explain your symptoms and ask whether the dentures provide the proper support for your face and bite. This will give you a more objective evaluation. If he or she asks who your dentist is before the evaluation, tell them you want to wait so you can get an unbiased diagnosis.
Well-made dentures should do more than replace missing teeth. They should support your facial structure, allow your jaws to meet properly, and help you smile and speak comfortably. Chronic sores and a suddenly sunken appearance are not things you should be expected to accept.
If it turns out that your dentures are the problem. He can help you to either get a refund or get your dentist to redo the dentures.
The Danger of Long-Term Removable Denture Use
Even if you fix these dentures, you will eventually have an even bigger problem. The longer you are in completely removable dentures, the more your jawbone will shrink as a result of mineral resorption. Eventually you will not have enough jawbone left to even keep your dentures in place. This will not only age your appearance significantly, but you won’t have a way to chew food. The solution to that is to have dental implants placed and then anchor your dentures to them.
This blog is brought to you by a compassionate dentist in Lafayette, LA, Dr. John Theriot.