Denture Problems
Common Denture Problems
(And What To Do About Them)
Following is a list of possible causes for problems
most often encountered by people who wear dentures. If you are suffering
from any of these problems, or especially from a problem not listed
here, call your dental professional.
| Common
Denture Problems |
Common
Causes / Solutions |
| Denture slipping
and moving |
Due to shrinkage
of jaw bone and surrounding gum tissue, the gums and bone do
not support the denture in speaking or chewing -- Reline,
rebase or replacement per a dental professional’s recommendation.
|
Speaking difficulties
and unwanted sounds, such as “clicking, whistling, smacking…”
|
Denture is
not in proper position or does not stay in proper position --
denture moves causing cheek and tongue to struggle to form words
and control the denture -- Reline, rebase or replacement
per a dental professional’s recommendation.
|
| Difficulty
chewing certain foods |
Some foods
may never be ‘easy to chew’ with dentures, but lack of adequate
chewing could be related to the alignment of your upper and
lower denture(s), or your denture with natural teeth, this effects
the “balance” of the denture on the tissues and muscles of the
mouth. In combination with shrinkage of tissue, poor alignment
creates improper denture function. Only a dental professional
can determine the best solution(s).
|
Lack of suction
/ adhesion
|
Bone and mouth
tissue shrinks – original fit/contact of denture is lost;
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia); caused most often by certain medications;
without proper saliva, denture fit is not ideal due to the “seal”
that moisture provides between denture base and tissue. Discuss
with your dental professional.
|
| Wrinkles above
/ around lips or at corners of mouth |
Denture has moved back in the mouth
and no longer supports the lips. This may be due to bone loss
and / or loss of skin elasticity (stretchiness) and moisture
loss. See your dental professional
to help determine the root cause.
|
Sore spots
in the mouth
|
Pressure and
/ or rubbing is occurring in one specific area, usually a result
of chewing (see Difficulty chewing certain foods) but may also
be due to clenching of teeth or bruxism (grinding the teeth).
Other causes may be hard foods (like small seeds) getting under
the denture or denture teeth that need adjustment. Your
dental professional can help resolve the problem.
|
Soreness at
corners of mouth
|
Loss of vertical support for the
denture (bone loss) can cause the mouth to “over-close.” This
can change the way the lips seal together and cause saliva to
pool at the corners of the mouth. The excess moisture in this
area may cause the skin to become irritated and may increase
the risk of a candida (fungus) infection. The soreness may also
be the result of a vitamin deficiency. Seek advice from
your dental professional.
|
The Silent Smile Killer
A denture isn’t supposed to last forever.
With or without teeth, your mouth slowly changes
as you age. But people who have no teeth on average lose 1/3 mm
of jawbone height each year. Sometimes that loss is greater due
to certain medical conditions such as osteoporosis. As our jawbone
shrinks, so do our gum tissues (sometimes referred to as ridges).
Ridges can shrink up to a quarter-inch in 10 years!
Your denture was made to fit firmly to the original
shape of your oral anatomy. Now that shape has changed.
Often you don’t notice the gradual receding
of your gum tissues. But over time, your dentures loosen and become
unstable, affecting you in any of a number of different ways. This
is why dental professionals suggest you replace or refit your dentures
every 5 to 7 years.
When teeth are lost and gum tissues shrink, some
facial support is lost. This explains why people with no teeth often
have deep wrinkles around the mouth and a sunken look to their cheeks
and lower face.
To summarize, here are symptoms that may indicate
the need for a denture reline or a new denture:
• On-going pain or sore spots
• The appearance of extra wrinkles around your mouth
• Your dentures click, whistle, slip or cause chewing problems
• Slurred speech
• You need to routinely use denture pads
• You or your loved ones begin to feel uncomfortable with the
appearance of your dentures.
Even if you are not experiencing any of these
difficulties, dental experts recommend you visit your dental professional
annually. These visits give your dental professional a chance to
give you an “oral check-up.” This is your dental professional’s
opportunity to make sure you don’t have any symptoms of diabetes,
oral cancer, gum disease or other diseases that often reveal themselves
in the tissues of the mouth.
Your dental professional might recommend repairing
or relining your existing denture. Many times, dental professionals
have no choice but to recommend a new denture. If so, you may be
surprised to discover how attractive today’s teeth are. They
are also less likely to wear or discolor. And modern denture base
materials (the pink material supporting teeth) are very strong and
durable.
And a new denture may:
• Help you look better by providing the support your lips need,
and by giving your face and smile a more natural appearance.
• Help you speak clearly once again.
• Enhance your chewing ability, helping your body properly
digest food and obtain the nutrition it needs.
• Help you feel better about yourself.
If You Need Help
Dentures shouldn’t hurt. They shouldn’t
slip, or click, or whistle. If any of the problems you are experiencing
persist, the solution isn’t more drug or grocery store remedies.
An evaluation by your dental professional will determine the solution
that’s right for you.
|
