Many people need dentures sooner or later. Dentures are an attractive and traditional alternative to tooth loss. Although dentures are not always the favorite alternative, they can help you continue to lead a healthier life. In fact, living with problem teeth affects your diet and overall mental and physical health. For example, biting and chewing can be enhanced and there is nothing like a straight even toothy smile to make you feel good. Truth is, no one ever needs to know that those lovely straight teeth are not your original equipment!
Challenges with Dentures
However, like many things, dentures can cause some problems. Here are some common problems with wearing dentures:
- Gum and mouth irritation
- Problems with eating and speaking
- Dentures that move around in your mouth
- Mouth infections
If you have denture problems, you need to see your dentist right away as they may need to be adjusted or replaced. Here are some tips to helping with some denture problems:
- Make sure your dentures fit—over time your gums and bones will change, please make sure your dentists can make needed adjustments or replacements.
- Speak slowly- getting used to dentures takes patience, so speak slowly and make sure you practice saying certain words and are careful in your speech.
- Eat soft foods- take small bites of food and eat slowly, avoid anything too hard or sticky. Use both side of your mouth to chew. In time, you will be able to eat more comfortably and more variety of foods
- Use adhesive- adhesives can help your dentures stay in place and feel more secure. Adhesives should not be used to fix old or odd fitting dentures. Follow the instructions for adhesives and use a small amount.
Mouth Infections
The bad and ugly truth is that there are two common mouth infections that you need to watch out for—they are:
- Cheilitis- This is a painful infection that causes inflammation and cracking at the corners of the mouth. It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast. Yeast can accumulate in moist areas of the mouth. If you do have this condition, see your dentist, and try not to lick or rub the corners of your mouth.
- Stomatitis- This infection is also caused by too much yeast, and you can see small red bumps on the roof of your mouth.
Denture Care
Everything in life requires some maintenance and care. Here are some tips that will make living with you new removable teeth easier:
- Never sleep with your dentures in your mouth — Unless your dentist advises you to do so after multiple extractions or so you can get used to them.
- Handle dentures with care—Just like glasses, dentures are delicate. Put a towel down if you are putting them in your mouth so they don’t break if you drop them. Keep them away from children and pets.
- Clean your dentures daily—drop them in denture cleaner overnight, brush them with a soft bristle brush, use soap and water or a denture cleaner your dentist recommends. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
Overall, to maintain good denture health, make sure clean your mouth daily. Clean and massage your mouth and tongue and gums. Store dentures in a denture cleaning solution or warm water to keep them pliable and that they don’t lose their shape.
Denture Adjustments or Repairs
It is also important to see signs of your dentures needing adjustments or repairs—here are 11 common signs:
- Broken Teeth
- Chips or Cracks
- Difficulty Chewing
- Discomfort
- Change in Face Shape or Jawline
- Fit Changes
- Pressure Sores
- Gum Irritation
- Oral Sores
- Speech Pattern Changes
- Stains or Persistent Odors
Dentures can be a scary and unknown part of dental care. They can also make life much better for you, too. We can make the transition easier at Danville Family Dentistry. Call us at 317-745-4400 to make an appointment or schedule on our website.
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Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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