What is a potential complication for Hiro due to chewing with his gums instead of wearing his dentures?

Choosing to chew with his gums instead of wearing dentures can lead to gum and jaw irritation. This occurs because the gums may experience increased friction and pressure from the act of chewing, especially if the food is hard or abrasive. Without the cushioning and support that dentures provide, the natural structure of the gums and the jawbone can become stressed, resulting in discomfort, inflammation, or soreness.

In contrast, other issues like tooth decay are less relevant in this scenario since Hiro is not using his natural teeth but rather relying on chewing with his gums. Similarly, while bad breath may occur due to food debris trapped in the mouth or reduced saliva flow, it is not a direct complication of choosing to chew without dentures. Oral thrush, a fungal infection, typically stems from different factors such as an imbalance in oral flora or weakened immune response, rather than the mechanical action of chewing. Thus, the primary risk from using gums for chewing is the irritation that can arise in the oral tissues.