Solutions for 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.
Dentures can make it difficult when eating or speaking
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.
Unsure of the best way to keep dentures clean
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.
Dentures become loose over time
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
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
What to do when traveling with dentures
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.
Discover the passion and commitment that drives our dental team
Dr. Adam Kwiatkowski, a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, has received multiple awards for his outstanding achievements in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He is a recipient of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists’ Pre-doctoral Student Achievement Award and a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.
Dr. Hearne, originally from Las Vegas, was inspired to become a dentist at the age of 12 by a close family friend who was a renowned dentist. With a foundation in customer service and excellence from his early career in the hotel industry, Dr. Hearne was further inspired to become a compassionate caregiver for his patients after the passing of his younger brother to cystic fibrosis at the age of 7.
I was born in Ogden, Utah and always knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. After serving an LDS mission in South Africa and getting married, I studied biology at Weber State University and attended the prestigious Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. There, I received multiple awards for clinical excellence before settling down in St. George with my family.
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