Posted by Dentures are a popular and convenient way to address the problem of tooth loss.
Dentures, or false teeth, have gone a long way since your grandmother’s time. They now look more natural. They are more comfortable. They are easy to care for.
Your dentures can last a long time, as long as you take good care of them. If you fail to do so, you may have to face certain problems.
Common Denture Problems
1. You find it difficult to eat. You need to practice so you can eat comfortably with your dentures on. In the beginning, you may experience dentures sliding out of position. Seeds, nuts, and other similar types of food may get trapped under your dentures, and may make you feel uneasy or uncomfortable.
2. You find it difficult to speak. Dentures may make speaking difficult. They may feel unfamiliar in your mouth, like a foreign object. You may find it difficult to enunciate clearly. You may find it difficult to move your tongue around your dentures or enunciate your words well.
3. You find it embarrassing to have them slip out of position. There are times when you feel your dentures getting out of place. This happens when you cough, laugh, or smile. It also happens from time to time when you talk or eat.
4. They make you prone to gum and mouth problems. Dentures can cause mouth infections. If dentures do not fit right, they may cause yeast to build up, especially in the damp areas in your mouth. The overgrowth of yeast may cause the corners of your mouth to crack or to become inflamed. It can also cause your mouth to become red and swollen, in particular, in the area beneath the upper dentures. It can also result in the formation of small red bumps in your palate.
How to Address Denture Problems
Make sure that the dentures fit right. Bones and gums can change over time. This may cause your dentures to feel uncomfortable and to cause problems. Have your dentist check if your dentures fit well. Have him replace, modify, or adjust them when called for.
Speak slowly. Expect to find some difficulty enunciating some words when your dentures are new. With practice and patience, however, you will find it easier to speak clearly.
Bite down gently to put the dentures back in place. If you feel your dentures start to slip when you eat, laugh, or smile, you can bite down in a gentle but firm manner to put them back in place.
Choose the right food. If you find it difficult to eat at first, choose food that is not difficult to chew. Select food that is soft. Stay away from anything that is sticky. Take small bites. Take your time and chew slowly. Do not favor just one side of your mouth. Use both sides so that your dentures do not tip or move forward. In time, you will find it easy to eat any type of food.
Handle your dentures with care. Your dentures will look and work best when you take good care of them.
Always take them off before you sleep. When you hold them to take them off or put them in, do so over a sink with water. Cover the counter with a towel. These measures will protect your dentures in case you drop them accidentally. Keep your dentures in a clean and safe area and away from where children or pets can reach them.
Do not let them dry out. When you take them off, soak them in plain water or a denture cleaner. Avoid using hot water which may deform your dentures. Clean them each morning before you put them back in your mouth. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to remove food debris, dental plaque, and stains.
Take excellent care of your mouth. See to it that it is always clean. Brush and massage your palate, tongue, and gums before inserting your dentures.
Consult your dentist regularly. Have him check your dentures to see if they still fit right. Have him address chips, cracks, or breakage. Have him adjust or change your dentures if necessary.
