Dentures, also known as fake teeth, can be a vital solution for individuals who have lost their natural teeth due to aging, injury, or other health conditions. Modern dentures are significantly more comfortable and realistic-looking compared to the ones worn by previous generations. However, despite these advancements, it’s crucial to take proper care of dentures to avoid a range of potential issues that can affect both your oral health and your comfort.
Common Denture Problems
If you wear dentures, maintaining a clean and healthy mouth is essential, and your dentures must fit properly. Ill-fitting dentures can lead to several common problems:
Gum and Mouth Irritation
If your dentures are not adjusted correctly, they can cause friction against your gums and soft tissues in the mouth, leading to irritation or sores. This can result in discomfort or even pain when wearing them.
Difficulty Eating and Speaking
When first wearing dentures, it may feel awkward or challenging to eat and speak clearly. You might have trouble pronouncing certain words or experience difficulty chewing certain foods, especially harder or chewy ones.
Dentures Moving Around
If your dentures don’t fit snugly, they may slip or shift in your mouth, causing discomfort. This can happen while you talk, laugh, or eat, making you feel self-conscious or frustrated.
Mouth Infections
Poorly fitted dentures can contribute to infections like yeast overgrowth, leading to conditions such as cheilitis (inflammation and cracking at the corners of the mouth) or stomatitis (inflammation of the soft tissues beneath the denture).
Treating Denture Problems
If you experience any of the problems listed above, it’s essential to consult with your dentist promptly. Your dentures may need adjustment, or in some cases, replacement. Below are some strategies to address common issues:
Ensure Proper Fit
Dentures should fit comfortably and securely in your mouth. Over time, changes in your gums and jawbones can cause dentures to become loose or uncomfortable. If you notice this happening, see your dentist to have your dentures adjusted or refitted. It’s crucial never to attempt adjusting dentures yourself, as this can cause further issues.
Take Time to Adjust to Speaking
When you first get dentures, you may find it difficult to pronounce certain words or speak clearly. This is normal and should improve with practice. Speak slowly and practice saying tricky words out loud. If your dentures shift when you laugh or smile, gently bite down and swallow to reposition them. If this continues to be a problem, consult your dentist for adjustments.
Eat Soft Foods
Eating can be tricky when you first wear dentures, especially if they don’t fit perfectly. Start by eating soft, easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, or mashed potatoes. Avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge your dentures. When you chew, use both sides of your mouth to evenly distribute the pressure and keep the dentures in place. Over time, as you get used to your dentures, you should be able to eat a wider variety of foods.
Consider Using Denture Adhesives
Denture adhesives can help secure dentures in place and make them feel more comfortable. However, adhesives should not be used as a solution for poorly fitting dentures. They should only be a temporary measure and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Excessive use of adhesive can cause problems, so it’s essential to consult your dentist if you’re relying on adhesives regularly.
Preventing and Treating Mouth Infections
Infections like cheilitis and stomatitis are common among denture wearers, particularly if dentures don’t fit properly. These infections are usually caused by an overgrowth of yeast, which can thrive in the warm, moist environment created by ill-fitting dentures.
Cheilitis
This is an infection that causes painful cracking at the corners of the mouth. It can be caused by yeast buildup, often exacerbated by dentures that don’t fit correctly.
Stomatitis
This condition causes redness and irritation in the mouth, particularly under the upper denture. Small red bumps or general redness on the roof of the mouth are signs of stomatitis.
To prevent and treat these infections:
Visit your dentist regularly to ensure your dentures fit well and adjust them as needed.
Avoid licking or rubbing the corners of your mouth, as this can aggravate the condition.
Follow your dentist’s recommendations for cleaning your dentures and maintaining oral hygiene.
Both cheilitis and stomatitis can usually be treated with antifungal medications and proper denture care. If you experience symptoms, consult your dentist for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Caring for Your Dentures
In addition to ensuring proper fit, it’s essential to take good care of your dentures to maintain both their functionality and appearance. Here are some essential tips for caring for your dentures:
Remove Dentures at Night
Except in specific cases where your dentist has advised otherwise, you should not sleep with your dentures in. Removing them overnight gives your gums a chance to rest and reduces the risk of infections or irritation.
Handle Dentures Gently
Dentures are fragile and can break easily if dropped. To avoid accidents, handle them over a sink filled with water or place a towel on the counter. This will help protect your dentures if you accidentally drop them.
