Common Denture Problems and Their Solutions
The best and most affordable solution for replacing missing teeth is a denture. In addition to providing you with a fully functional smile that looks entirely natural, they can be taken in and out of your mouth with ease. Keep in mind, though, that dentures are not flawless tools and may generate issues over time. However, by taking good care of them, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering any such problems with your denture.
It’s normal to feel anxious when getting dentures for the first time. There are some typical issues most people experience when getting dentures for the first time. The following is a list of things to expect when you start wearing dentures, along with potential issues and fixes. We hope that this list will help ease some of the anxiousness you may have when getting dentures.
Common problems that may occur with dentures and how to address them:
1. Irritation of the mouth and gums
If your dentures do not fit properly, you might experience some mouth and gum irritation when you first wear them. At the beginning of your adjustment period, feeling soreness and some discomfort is normal. This is frequently brought on by your new dentures rubbing against your gums, which can be uncomfortable or annoying. There is also a chance that you may feel some discomfort in your gums if your dentures start to loosen after several months of use. A straightforward solution to this is to get your dentures relined. When you first get your dentures, they will be fitted to the exact contours of your mouth. However, over time, your device may become misaligned due to changes in your jawbone and gums. Contrary to appearances, dentures are very delicate, and therefore, any modifications and repairs ought to be done by a denturist.
2. Problems while speaking
When you have new dentures, speaking may be challenging. It might be difficult to speak because they may feel foreign in your mouth. The best course of action when having trouble speaking is to be patient and speak more slowly than usual. Speaking with dentures can be difficult for some people at first because you must learn how to move your tongue around them to make the right sounds, but with practice, it will become second nature. By reading aloud or having a private conversation with yourself, you can hone your public speaking abilities. You can gently bite down and swallow to put your dentures back in place if they slip while you are speaking or smiling.
3. Challenges while eating
When you first put on your dentures, eating might be challenging as your dentures may move when you bite down or chew. To begin eating comfortably with dentures, you will need to practice.
Stick to simple foods when your dentures are new to prevent these issues. Eat soft foods and take small bites to ease chewing. To keep your dentures stable, try to chew your food on both sides of your mouth. If certain seeds get lodged under your dentures, they may be feel uncomfortable, so you may want to initially avoid foods with seeds. After a while, as you get used to them, you’ll eventually eat the same foods you did before you had dentures.
4. Dentures that slip
Your dentures may occasionally start to move out of place. This can occur sometimes when you speak, cough, smile, or laugh. Your mouth and gums will need some time to adjust to your new dentures no matter how well they are made. Most dentures (removable dentures) are held in place by different muscles in your mouth, unlike your teeth, which are naturally anchored in your gums. As a result, during the first few weeks, they may frequently shift or move around while eating or speaking.
You should try to gently reposition your dentures by swallowing and biting down if they happen to slip out of place. You will eventually develop the ability to hold them in place with your tongue and cheek muscles. As you become comfortable with your new dentures, this issue frequently goes away. However, if your dentures are still slipping out after a few weeks, you should consult your denturist as they can provide a solution for you.
5. Loose or ill-fitting dentures
Over time, it’s not uncommon to discover that your dentures are loose and no longer fit as well as they once did. Patients are more likely to choose softer foods and eat less when their dentures are loose-fitting. A lesser intake and a poor diet can cause a range of digestive and health problems.
Your dentures may become loose for several reasons. One of the most frequent causes of loose dentures is called resorption of bone. Because dentures replace the need for your teeth to be held in place by gums, the gums may start to recede. This process transports calcium from the jawbone to other parts of the body that require it. You should use your jaw as much as possible and chew solid foods that will keep your gums strong and healthy to help prevent bone resorption.
Daily usage is another factor that causes loose-fitting dentures. To protect your gums and your dentures, take them out at night and practice good denture hygiene.
6. Infections
Infections like cheilitis and stomatitis can develop as a result of wearing dentures. Although the best way to avoid infections is to keep your dentures clean and see your denturist frequently. Call your denturist right away if you develop an infection.
7. Cleaning problems
It can be challenging to adjust to a new oral hygiene routine and figure out the best way to clean your dentures. Additionally, you might find that you’re not cleaning your dentures frequently enough, not using the proper cleaners, or are inadvertently damaging them as you clean them. Fortunately, each of these issues can be avoided.
You must take your dentures out of your mouth to brush them. Your new dentures could fall out while you’re brushing them if you’re not careful. Damage such as breaks or chips could result from this. A towel can be placed at the bottom of your sink to cushion your dentures if they fall, protecting them from damage. Another choice is to add water to the sink.
The following are some cleaning suggestions for dentures:
- Soak your dentures in denture cleaner overnight.
- Each morning, thoroughly clean them before putting them in your mouth.
- Use a brush with soft bristles or a dedicated denture-cleaning brush to brush your dentures.
- You can clean your dentures with plain soap and warm water or ask your denturist for a product recommendation.
- Never use toothpaste, which is too abrasive, or powdered household cleaners like bleach or cleaners for dentures.
- Brush your mouth each day. Give your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth a thorough cleaning every day before inserting your dentures. Doing this can help keep your mouth healthy.
8. Excess saliva
New dentures may cause your body to produce more saliva than usual. This will go away as you get used to your new dentures.
At first, wearing dentures can be challenging. It might take some time to adjust to them. However, by taking good care of your dentures and going to your denturist for regular check-ups every six months, you can prevent denture problems. Consult your denturist right away if you notice any changes in how your dentures fit or if you have any other issues with your mouth. It might only be necessary to adjust your dentures. With proper care and regular check-ups, your dentures can last for years! LoveMySmile Center can help you prevent of denture problems. Call us today at 833-900-1050 to schedule a consultation and let us help you choose the best dentures for you!