Dentures are a common solution for those looking to replace missing teeth. While they provide a great way to restore your smile, dentures come with their own set of potential problems and difficulties. In this article, we’ll cover five of the most common problems associated with dentures and how you can take care of them properly.
1. Ill-Fitting Dentures
When you get your dentures made, it’s important to make sure they fit correctly in your mouth. If the dentures are too tight or don’t fit properly, it can lead to a multitude of problems. These include discomfort and even pain when you wear them. It can also cause damage to your gums due to the constant pressure from ill-fitting dentures.
Causes: The most common cause of ill-fitting dentures is that they may not have been made properly for your mouth shape and size. Poor maintenance can also contribute to this problem, as over time the materials used in making dentures wear down, leading to an improper fit.
Solutions: If you think your dentures aren’t fitting correctly, then the first thing you should do is visit your dentist. They can adjust them to fit better, or even remake them if needed. It’s also important to keep up with regular maintenance for your dentures by visiting your dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleaning.
2. Poor Oral Hygiene
If you don’t take care of your dentures properly, it can lead to poor oral hygiene. This is because bacteria and other debris build up on the surface of the denture over time as they are not being cleaned regularly. As a result, this can cause bad breath and gum disease due to plaque buildup around the gums.
Causes: Poor oral hygiene can be caused by not cleaning your dentures properly. This includes brushing them twice a day, as well as rinsing them after every meal. Not doing this can lead to bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup on the surface of the denture.
Solutions: The best way to prevent poor oral hygiene is to make sure you brush and rinse your dentures regularly. You should also visit your dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings, which will help keep your mouth healthy and reduce the risk of gum disease or other problems associated with poor oral hygiene.
3. Uncomfortable Eating Habits
Getting used to eating with dentures can be a challenge, and it can lead to uncomfortable eating habits. It may take some time for you to adjust to the feeling of having dentures in your mouth, and you might find that certain foods are more difficult or uncomfortable to eat.
Causes: This problem is usually caused by ill-fitting dentures or lack of experience with wearing them. As mentioned previously, if your dentures don’t fit correctly then it can cause discomfort when trying to eat certain foods. In addition, if you are not used to having dentures in your mouth then this can also make it difficult to eat comfortably.
Solutions: If your dentures are ill-fitting, then you should visit your dentist to have them adjusted. You can also practice eating with your dentures at home by trying different types of food and gradually increasing the difficulty level. With time and practice, you will eventually become more comfortable with eating with dentures.
4. Dry Mouth and Sore Gums
Dentures can make it difficult to produce saliva in your mouth, which can lead to dryness and soreness of the gums. This is usually caused by an inability to properly move the muscles in your mouth or tongue when wearing dentures, leading to reduced saliva production.
Causes: This problem can be caused by a number of things, including ill-fitting dentures, not drinking enough water, or lack of practice with wearing the dentures.
Solutions: The best way to prevent this issue is to make sure your dentures fit properly and to drink plenty of water throughout the day. You should also practice moving your muscles when wearing the dentures, as this will help keep your gums lubricated and reduce dryness and soreness.
5. Staining or Discoloration
Over time, the material used in making dentures may start to discolor due to food, drinks or other substances that come into contact with them. This can make them look unappealing and embarrassing to wear in public.
Causes: This problem is usually caused by certain foods or drinks that have strong pigments, such as coffee, tea, or red wine. The material used in making dentures can also be affected by smoking or other substances that come into contact with it.
Solutions: To prevent staining and discoloration of your dentures, you should avoid eating or drinking anything that has a strong color. You should also brush your dentures twice a day and rinse them after every meal. Additionally, you should not smoke while wearing your dentures as this will cause the material to discolor quickly.
Conclusion
Dentures can be a great solution for missing teeth, but they come with their own set of problems. Poor oral hygiene, uncomfortable eating habits, dry mouth and sore gums, and staining or discoloration are all common denture problems that can be prevented or managed with proper care. By following the tips mentioned above, you can ensure that your dentures last as long as possible and remain in good condition.
A1: You should brush your dentures at least twice a day to keep them clean and free from plaque and tartar buildup. Additionally, it is recommended that you rinse them after every meal to remove any food particles.
A2: If your dentures are ill-fitting or causing discomfort, then you should visit your dentist to have them adjusted. Additionally, you can practice eating with your dentures at home and gradually increase the difficulty level until you feel comfortable with wearing them.
A3: You should visit your dentist for an annual checkup to make sure that the fit of your dentures is still correct and that there are no issues that need to be addressed. This will help keep your dentures in good condition and prevent any further problems from occurring.
