Dentures can help restore your smile and also help you have a better mouth and eat with greater confidence.In case your dentures are not fitting well or are not taken care of properly, you might encounter different kinds of problems. We will talk about typical denture problems and how they affect the owners, as well as what you can do to keep your dentures working and in good shape.
What are “Denture Problems”?
Problems with dentures, as a matter of definition, imply those troubles that come from the employment of removable dental prosthetics (like partial or full dentures) and, eventually, influence the functionality, the patient’s condition, or even their health. Such indications may consist of pain and discomfort, wrong fitting, difficulty in eating, problems in speaking, gum irritation, and infection of the tissues around the dentures. As time passes, these issues may affect the comfort of your mouth, but also your diet as well as your speech clarity and overall health.
The causes of denture issues are changes to the jawbone, wear and tear of the denture, bad hygiene, or simply the passage of time, which causes the denture to lose its shape.
Why do Denture Problems Recur?
1. Jaw Structure is not fitting or has changed.
The gums and jaws of your mouth change over time. Resorption of the bone (shrinking of bone) could cause previously-fitting dentures to lose their shape. A denture that isn’t able to adjust to these changes could appear wobbly, shift during eating or speaking or lift up abruptly.
2. Tissue Health and Poor Hygiene
When a denture is not cleaned thoroughly, it has the potential to accumulate biofilm, debris, small particles, and even fungi. The inflammation and irritation of the oral tissues that result from this (e.g. stomatitis caused by dentures) may also influence general health indirectly. To illustrate the point, inadequate denture hygiene may lead to oral infections and complications with an increased probability.
3. Dentures that are worn too Much, or Night and Day
Insisting on wearing the denture continuously and not taking a break for the gums can cause irritation, changes in the tissues and an increased vulnerability to fungal infections. Removal of your denture during sleep is essential for the healing of tissue, in addition to oral health.
Common Denture Issues (and their consequences)
Here are some of the most common problems you could encounter in the event that your dentures aren’t working:
A. Soreness, Ulcers & Irritation
In the event that your denture is rubbing against gums or any other soft tissues, it is possible to suffer from ulcers, sores or red areas of inflammation. They can cause chewing to be painful, limit your food choices and cause you to feel uncomfortable speaking. The discomfort could lead you to stay away from certain foods or be uncomfortable about yourself.
B. Denture that is loose or shifts
In case the denture moves while you are eating or talking, you may find it hard to chew properly, the condition may be uncomfortable when laughing or talking, and you may even lose your denture unintentionally. As a result, the denture will become less effective and may lead to nutritional problems.
C. Difficulty in speaking or chewing
In the case that your denture does not fit you well, the manner in which you chew can be changed, therefore, your speech may lose clarity (for example, when certain sounds are pronounced) and the chewing process may become less efficient. After some time, you may find yourself eating only soft foods, thus limiting your diet.
D. Alternate Taste or Saliva flow
Sometimes, the presence of a full denture may alter the way your tongue senses the flavor or can limit the saliva flow, thus causing dry mouth and changes in taste. The condition of dry mouth (xerostomia) that is also harmful to the denture’s wearing capacity.
E. Breakage, Cracks or wear of the Denture
Damage to the denture base or teeth – such as cracks, chips or damaged surfaces affects function and can cause discomfort, poor aesthetics, and additional tissue issues.
F. Jaw or Bite Changes and TMJ Strain
As your denture and the tissues alter, the jaw position or bite may change. This could cause strain to the muscles and joints of your jaw or even cause discomfort, clicking or even fatigue when chewing.
Impacts of Denture Problems on Daily Life
When issues with dentures continue to persist, they do not just affect your mouth; they extend into the rest of your life:
- Inability to consume an adequate diet (avoiding food items that are hard or crunchy)
- Reluctance to speak or smile could be a sign of a decrease in social confidence.
- Risk of oral infections rising and associated health complications
- The need for regular adjustments and relines or complete replacement, which can mean more time and money
- A persistent discomfort that can affect the quality of sleep or general well-being.
Preventive Tips for Avoiding Denture Problems
To ensure that your dentures are lasting, durable and comfortable, take note of the following:
- Dentures should be removed in the evening to give your gums some rest and allow your natural tissues to recuperate.
- Cleanse your mouth (gums and tongue, as well as your palate) as well as your denture regularly by using a soft brush and a suitable cleaner.
- Dentures should be soaked overnight in a suitable solution to eliminate biofilm and debris.
- Regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure any changes in fitness or tissue health can be identified in the early stages.
- Do not attempt DIY repairs or use superglues if you have a denture that chips or splits; seek out professional help.
- Be aware of foods that are difficult or sticky If your denture is showing indications of wear.
- Be aware of indications of tissue changes such as swelling, red spots or unpleasant odour or taste; they may be warning signs.
Take a look at Red House Dental and Why They Are Important
At Red House Dental, the team is dedicated to offering denture care that is thorough and ensuring that every patient has a smile that is both pleasant and functional. In fact, their emphasis is not just on the denture as a product but on the whole patient journey from precise fittings, noticing the changes in the mouth over time, and also informing the patients about the upkeep and cleaning of their dentures. Knowing that such problems can put a dent in the quality of life of their patients, they are committed to identifying the issue at the first stage, and, hence, they can provide relines or adjustments promptly, and also offer tailored guidance so that patients experience comfort and confidence in their dentures.
Conclusion
In case you have a situation of irritation, looseness, spots, or any kind of problems with the dentures that you wear, it is very important to have them checked out right away. By keeping a careful denture hygiene habit and also through regular check-ups and support from a specialized clinic like Red House Dental, you can keep your teeth comfortable, healthy, and functional for a long time.