In 2020, Statista reports that there are 40.99 million Americans that wear dentures. It’s not surprising because dentures are the most common solution to tooth loss.
However, like anything that’s constantly used, they may show signs of wear and tear over time. Properly cared for or not, they may inflict problems on the user.
Just as there are so many denture users, there are also as many people who seek emergency dental help whenever denture-related issues arise.
Is it improper care that damages the denture or the users or do they just simply deteriorate over time? The answer is both. Dentures can cause you problems as they age, much more immediately when not cared for the right way.
When you’re a denture wearer, learn about the common issues and solutions so that you can immediately deal with the discomfort or damage.
5 Common Denture-Related Issues and Solutions
If you’re a denture wearer, you may have encountered issues, especially at the early stages of wearing them such as the following:
Difficult to speak
At the early stages of wearing your dentures, you will find it difficult to speak. This is normal since you are just getting used to them. You’ll have to take your time familiarizing your mouth muscles and tongue for the new situation.
It’s important to retrain your mouth by regularly speaking or singing your favorite songs. This way, you make your mouth familiar with speaking normally again.
Difficult to eat
Your gums are still healing after the procedures in the first few weeks, so be patient with your mouth, especially when you find it difficult to eat. As if it’s not painful enough, your dentures may keep on slipping.
With your gums and mouth still adjusting, avoid sticky and hard foods to reduce the pressure on your gums when you eat and chew. Only eat harder food when your gums and mouth have finally adjusted.
Slipping dentures
Teeth are normally anchored to the gums; dentures slip because it’s your mouth’s muscles that keep them in place. This normally happens even when your dentures are well-designed.
Give your dentures some time to learn how to coordinate with your mouth’s muscles, so they can remain in their place. Be patient. Reposition whenever needed.
Discomfort
Irritation and pain happen when your new dentures rub in your gums. This results in initial soreness that would normally disappear over time. To relieve the pain, rinse with a saltwater solution, massage your gums, or take OTC drugs.
Excess saliva
This sometimes happens when your body confuses your new dentures as food or a foreign object. As a result, your mouth produces more saliva than necessary. Your mouth will get used to your dentures soon. The best solution yet for this is to just swallow more frequently. You
5 Denture Emergencies and Solutions
Denture-related problems such as the above are common, especially when you’re yet a new wearer. Those may be treated without the need for medical attention. But when the damage is to the denture itself, consider it an emergency, especially when it’s any of the following:
Breaking in half
As your dentures age, they go through wear and tear from speaking, chewing, and many other factors. For instance, when you switch between hot and cold foods and beverages, it can lead to small fractures.
When the dentures break in half, your dentist can still save them, but when there are too many fractures, it’s a sign you’ll need new dentures.
A tooth falling or chipping off the denture
This may be due to accidents, like being hit by a ball. It may also be because you bit really hard foods. When a tooth falls or chips off, find the piece since it would be easier for the dentist to repair the whole dentures when you have it.
The dentures developing sharp edges
When this happens, the sharp edges will cut the oral tissues; hence, making your mouth more vulnerable to infections. In this case, you might need replacement dentures so that they don’t continue cutting or irritating your mouth’s soft tissues.
Getting infection around the implants
If your dentures find an anchor in your gums, then it’s alright. You’re more susceptible to infections when your dentures are anchored in your implants. Without immediate medical attention, infections can damage the tissues that surround the implant.
Inhaling or swallowing a part of your denture
This can happen with small partial dentures since some parts could fall off and you inhale or swallow them. It’s only an emergency when the parts linger in your throat.
If you experience any denture emergencies, don’t hesitate to call your dentist for emergency dental help.
