Denture Solutions
Keeping your mouth healthy with dentures
Common Denture Problems
As a denture wearer it is important that you keep your mouth healthy. Your dentures should fit properly and be clean. If they are not then problems may occur:
- Gum and mouth irritation. You may want to consider Biotene.
- Problems eating and speaking. You may need a repair or adjustment.
- Dentures that move around in your mouth. You may need a repair or adjustment.
- Mouth infections. You may need a vitamin supplement.
If you have problems with your dentures, see your dental professional as soon as possible as your dentures may need to be adjusted or replaced.
Solutions to Denture Problems
Over time, your gums and bones may change and your dentures will not fit as well. When this happens, your dentures need to be adjusted, modified, or replaced by your dental professional. Do not try to adjust your denture yourself.
When you first get dentures, it may be difficult for you to speak some words. Over time, by practicing challenging words out loud and by speaking slowly, your regular speech will return. If your dentures move while you laugh, smile or cough, bite down gently and swallow to return them to their original location.
Eating Tips
If you are having trouble eating, try the following:
- Eat soft foods such as eggs or yogurt in small bites
- Avoid food that is sticky
- Slowly chew your food
- Use both sides of your mouth at the same time when chewing to prevent your denture from moving around in your mouth
Eating will become easier as you get used to your dentures. In time, you should be able to eat most foods.
Oral Health
Some people who wear dentures develop mouth infections that are preventable.
Cheilosis
Also known as cheilitis, this is a painful infection that causes inflammation and cracking at the corners of your mouth. It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast that can accumulate in the moist areas of your mouth if your dentures do not fit properly. To ensure you do not develop cheilosis, see your dental professional regularly and make sure your dentures fit properly.
Stomatitis
This is another type of infection that is caused by excessive yeast. When symptoms are noticeable you will typically see small red bumps on the roof of your mouth and general mouth redness. Proper denture care and clean dentures will help you avoid stomatitis.
Denture Care
It is important to take good care of your dentures. Your dental professional may advise you to sleep with your dentures in your mouth for a short adjustment period after you first get them so that your mouth can adapt. After this period you should no longer sleep with your dentures in your mouth.
Your dentures are delicate and can break easily if you do not take precautions. When handling your dentures, stand over a water-filled sink or place a towel on the counter to ensure your dentures will be protected in case of an accidental drop. Keep your dentures away from the reach of children and pets.
Cleaning Tips
- Soak your dentures in a denture cleaner
- Clean them thoroughly each morning prior to putting them in your mouth
- Use a special denture-cleaning brush
- Place them in a denture bath or ultrasonic denture bath
- Clean and massage your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth daily prior to putting your dentures in your mouth
Wearing dentures can be difficult at first and it will take some time to get used to them. You can prevent denture problems by caring for your dentures and seeing your dental professional for regular checkups. If you notice changes to the way your dentures fit or any other mouth problems, see your dental professional as soon as possible for an evaluation.