When people get dentures, they often recover the normalcy and confidence they lost after losing their teeth. However, it is possible to gain a set of new challenges as well. Understanding these common issues and knowing how to address them can make life with dentures much more comfortable and enjoyable. Read on to learn about seven common denture problems and how to solve them so that you can enhance your experience.
Difficulty Talking
One hurdle those with new dentures may encounter is difficulty in speaking clearly. Some people experience slurred speech or a lisp as your mouth adjusts. This issue can be frustrating, especially for those used to communicating fluently and confidently.
The key to overcoming this challenge is practice and time. Reading aloud and talking regularly can expedite the adaptation process. Focusing on difficult words or phrases and repeating them can help retrain your tongue and muscles to work with your dentures.
Additionally, speaking slowly gives your mouth more time to adjust to the new sensations. If the problem persists, consulting with your dentist might be necessary. They can assess whether your dentures fit properly and if they need adjustments.
Challenges While Eating
Another common denture problem is having trouble eating, especially certain foods. Those new to dentures might find themselves struggling with sticky or hard foods, which can be disheartening.
However, adjusting your eating habits is crucial. Try eating soft foods at first. You may even have to cut bites into small pieces. Using the right and left sides of your mouth at the same time can also help maintain balance and prevent your dentures from tipping.
It’s important to be patient with yourself during this adjustment period. Over time, most denture wearers find that they can return to a normal diet and enjoy a variety of foods without discomfort.
Mouth Discomfort
A new pair of dentures is like a new pair of shoes—often it just takes some time to break them in. Experiencing discomfort or soreness in the mouth is common for those wearing dentures. You may find that the dentures cause irritation of the gums and other soft tissues in the early stages of wearing them. If this is the case, your dentist may need to make some minor adjustments to smooth out the areas that are rubbing and causing the sore spots. After an adjustment, it is important to leave them out for a little while to allow the sores to heal—this is like letting your feet heal after getting a blister.
You can also try rinsing with warm salt water a few times a day to soothe irritated areas. If you find they do not go away, visit your dentist to ensure that the dentures fit. It is essential to promptly address prolonged discomfort so that you can prevent more serious complications.
Dentures Moving in the Mouth
When you eat food, your dentures may slip out of place. This problem can also happen when you laugh or cough. Your mouth’s muscles and cheeks need to adapt to keeping the dentures in place. Try biting down and swallowing to see if that helps in the moment.
You can also use high-quality adhesives to keep your dentures in place or have your dentist check them to see they need to make any changes. These proactive approaches help you maintain the optimal fit and function of your dentures.
The best option to help your denture stay in place is to have the denture snap on to implants in your mouth. Just like a shirt that has snaps, snaps can be added into your existing denture to help hold them in place. In fact, implants are now the standard of care for lower dentures to help them stay in place! Having implants placed is usually a very straightforward procedure that can significantly improve a patient’s experience with their dentures.
More Saliva Than Normal
After getting denture dental services, you may find that your mouth produces excess saliva. Although this can be bothersome, it is also a natural response when you introduce new objects, such as dentures, to your mouth.
Fortunately, this issue does not require the intervention of a dentist since your body will resolve it over time as it adjusts to the dentures. In the meantime, swallowing more frequently can help manage excess saliva. Your salivary glands should eventually adapt to the new normal, and the excess saliva will likely decrease.
Poor Breath
Bad breath can be embarrassing, but it can be a common side effect of wearing dentures. The reason for this is usually due to food and bacteria build up on the denture. Maintaining impeccable oral hygiene is the best way to combat this issue.
Use a denture brush or toothbrush and a denture cleansing solution (available at your local grocery store) to clean them every day. Pro tip: do not brush the dentures with toothpaste, as toothpaste is abrasive and can damage the surface of your denture. Additionally, it is important to clean your mouth, including your gums, tongue, and remaining teeth, to prevent bad breath. Being diligent with your cleaning routine will have a positive effect on your breath and mouth.
Fitting Poorly
A common complaint among denture wearers is the feeling that their dentures do not fit as securely as expected. Unfortunately, this can result in many problems, including experiencing pain while speaking or eating. These problems can significantly impact day-to-day activities and diminish overall quality of life.
One of the most common causes of poor-fitting dentures is the bone loss of the jawbones over time once the teeth are gone. It’s important to remember that achieving a perfect fit is sometimes an ongoing process, requiring patience and regular professional attention.
Addressing poorly fitting dentures starts with visiting your dentist. Depending on the situation, they might suggest a reline or making new dentures to ensure a more stable and secure fit. Regular appointments are crucial for maintaining the integrity of your dentures, as they allow for timely adjustments that can preempt discomfort and other complications. Additionally, those with dentures still need a yearly dental exam to have their oral cancer screening.
Understanding and addressing these common problems can help improve your experiences with your dentures and save you a lot of discomfort. With the right approach and dedication to self-care, living with dentures should be a normal part of your daily routine.
Pinnacle Dental Associates can help you with your oral care. We’re here to provide dentures and fix any problems you are experiencing with your current ones. Let us help you improve your oral health and get more out of life.