Common Denture Problems

Dentures can replace missing teeth and give a patient a fully-functional smile with a natural appearance. We can measure the patient's mouth and develop dentures for the patient's teeth, but we cannot be at the patient's home 24/7. There may be times in which the patient damages the dentures and needs to seek treatment at our office.

While damage or natural wear and tear to dentures is inevitable, we can help patients prevent possible damage and other issues by going over the best methods for effective denture use prior to receiving dentures. Here are a few problems that patients with dentures struggle with and the solution to each.

Speaking and eating

Problem: Dentures can make it difficult when eating or speaking

Solution: Patience, practice and proper care

People who acquire new dentures will find that speaking and eating are more difficult than they realize. We recommend that patients take it slow and practice pronouncing any words that are difficult to say quickly. It may take some time and practice but the patient will eventually speak without difficulty.

When it comes to eating with dentures, the patient needs to start by eating softer foods for the first few days after getting the dentures. If the patient experiences any pain when eating certain foods, it is best to avoid said foods and eat something softer for the time being. Patients can also chew with both sides of the mouth to prevent the dentures from moving forward uncomfortably.

Proper denture care

Problem: Unsure of the best way to keep dentures clean

Solution: Use a specific denture-cleaning solution

Proper denture care is crucial for the lifespan of dentures. If a patient uses regular toothpaste on the dentures, then the toothpaste will begin to erode the material on the dentures and the dentures will break. The best form of care is to remove the dentures and run water through them to clean out any bits of food.

After, the patient can use a specific brush for cleaning the dentures and soak the dentures overnight. We can go over the proper cleaning regimen during the fitting appointment. It is important that the dentures do not dry out overnight.

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Loose Dentures

Problem: Dentures become loose over time

Solution: Seek professional adjustment at our office

Over time, dentures will begin to loosen due to the gums and bones changing. Since there are no longer teeth within the jawbone to stimulate the jaw and the body that teeth are still there, the body will go through a process known as resorption. This process leeches calcium from the jaw bone to other areas of the body in need. Fortunately, we can adjust modify or replace denture as necessary with regular appointments.

When the dentures feel loose, it will not always be a noticeable amount. In some cases, it will begin as a slight shift that the patient may not even notice. However, even if the dentures are only slightly loose, it is crucial to seek repairs from our office.

Irritation in the gums or mouth

Problem: Irritation in the gums or mouth

Solution: Proper care and professional treatment

If the dentures do not fit properly, they can cause irritation on the gums or within the mouth. In cases where the dentures begin to loosen after several months of use, there is a higher chance that the gums will begin to hurt. If the patient continues to feel pain or irritation, then give us a call and schedule an appointment.

The best solution is prevention, if at all possible. By taking the proper precautionary steps, patients can prolong the life of their dentures. When the gums continue to experience irritation, we recommend scheduling an appointment for us to examine the mouth and see what is wrong.

Traveling with dentures

Problem: What to do when traveling with dentures

Solution: Bring the proper cleaning supplies

While one will not need a traveling case for taking the dentures on a flight or car ride, it is crucial to have the proper cleaning tools for the trip. Traveling with dentures can be easy if one brings the proper cleaning fluid and container/glass to soak the denture in overnight.

Similar to bringing a toothbrush, patients need to bring whatever solution or brush they use to clean their dentures with them. Even though one is on vacation, keeping dentures in the best shape possible is important for one's overall health.