Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding gum tissue. Cavities, or dental caries, are holes that form in natural teeth due to bacterial acid erosion. The definitive answer is no, because the materials used to construct dentures are fundamentally different from natural teeth. A denture is an artificial device, whereas a cavity is a biological process affecting living tissue.
Understanding Tooth Decay Versus Denture Material
Natural tooth decay occurs when bacteria metabolize carbohydrates and produce organic acids, such as lactic acid. This acidic environment causes the demineralization of enamel and dentin, which are made primarily of hydroxyapatite. This chemical breakdown involves the dissolution of calcium and phosphate ions from the tooth structure. Unlike natural teeth, dentures are made from non-biological materials that cannot demineralize in this fashion.
The base of a denture is usually constructed from acrylic resin, a type of durable plastic, sometimes reinforced with metal alloys like cobalt-chromium for partial dentures. The artificial teeth are made from acrylic resin or porcelain, neither of which contains the hydroxyapatite mineral structure. These materials are not susceptible to the acid attack and subsequent biological decay process. However, denture materials can still accumulate plaque and calculus, leading to other serious health concerns.
Real Oral Health Risks for Denture Wearers
While the prosthetic itself cannot decay, the tissues supporting it are vulnerable to several complications. The most common issue is Denture Stomatitis, a fungal infection of the tissues beneath the denture, often caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast. This condition presents as redness, inflammation, and sometimes small bumps on the palate or other areas covered by the appliance. Poor hygiene and prolonged, continuous denture wear are major contributing factors.
Another significant biological concern is Residual Ridge Resorption (RRR), the progressive and irreversible loss of the jawbone after natural teeth are removed. The pressure exerted by a denture during chewing transmits forces to the underlying bone, stimulating a continuous process of bone remodeling and loss. This resorption is typically more pronounced in the lower jaw and causes the gums to shrink, leading to loose, ill-fitting dentures over time.
For individuals with partial dentures, the remaining natural teeth face an increased risk of dental problems. The presence of a partial denture can create sheltered microenvironments that trap food particles and increase plaque accumulation on the abutment teeth. This heightened plaque level raises the risk of root caries, which is decay affecting the root surface, and periodontal disease. Ill-fitting partial dentures can also cause mechanical trauma and wear on the natural teeth they clasp onto.
Proper Care and Maintenance of Dentures
Maintaining the cleanliness of the denture is necessary to prevent biological complications from bacterial and fungal buildup. Dentures should be removed and cleaned daily using mechanical action, such as brushing with a soft-bristled or dedicated denture brush. Use a non-abrasive denture cleanser, mild hand soap, or dish liquid, as regular toothpaste is too abrasive and can scratch the surface, creating sites for bacteria to colonize.
Soaking the dentures daily in a commercial cleansing solution or plain water helps reduce the microbial load and maintain the prosthetic’s shape. Dentures must never be placed in hot or boiling water, as extreme heat can cause the acrylic material to warp and permanently alter the fit. Wearers must also remove the appliance overnight to allow underlying tissues to rest and further reduce the risk of stomatitis.
Regular professional check-ups are required for monitoring the fit and condition of the denture and the health of the underlying oral tissues. Since the jawbone changes over time due to resorption, an ill-fitting denture must be adjusted, relined, or replaced to prevent irritation, sores, and accelerated bone loss. These appointments include an oral cancer screening, a necessary preventative measure for all individuals.