8 Common Denture Problems and How To Solve Them

Dentures are the answer to getting a complete set of teeth after losing two or more. However, they also come with their own problems. Before you worry about what these might be, it is best to learn a little bit about this dental device.

Knowing More About Dentures

Dentures commonly restore missing teeth and their function. They are artificial replacements for teeth when you lose your natural teeth due to an accident, illness, or poor oral hygiene. A lot of people suffer from missing teeth due to tooth decay.

Fortunately, there has been an impressive decrease in dental decay levels in Canada for the past several years. It’s the result of more people visiting dentists for checkups. According to Statistics Canada’s most recent Dental Care Report, 74.7% of the population sees dental professionals. This shows that many Canadians value dental health.

However, if you are looking for dentures, know that with the development of dental technology, patients now have more options. Various types of dentures are available to suit your needs and budget. Two primary types of dentures used in Canada are partial and complete.

Partial dentures are for when there are just a few teeth missing. On the other hand, dentists suggest complete dentures when your entire natural teeth are missing.

However, dentists also use different types of dentures, like immediate denture implants. This type of denture is used immediately after the extraction of your teeth. This acts as your temporary teeth while your gums heal before getting new dentures.

Now, the price of getting dentures in Canada depends on different factors. These include the number of teeth replaced, the complexity of dentures, the materials used, and the time of getting the dentures. Also, prices in every state are different.

For instance, standard dentures in Winnipeg cost around $1,400. Furthermore, getting dentures includes several procedures. These include denture adhesive, cleaning, oral exams, diagnostic casts, and more. With these in mind, asking your denture clinic for a more detailed quote is best.

Most Prevalent Denture Problems and How To Solve Them

If you recently got yourself a new set of dentures, you must know that you’d probably experience a few problems. As a first-timer, you’d feel uncomfortable and maybe struggle with eating and talking. If you’ve had these artificial pearly whites for a while, you might encounter different challenges. 

Know what they are below and learn some tips on how to solve them.

1. Moving or Slipping 

Unlike dental implants, dentures usually require various muscles to keep them in place. Therefore, they may slip or dislodge while you’re talking or eating in the first several weeks. Additionally, regardless of how well-designed your new dentures are, it will take some time for your mouth and gums to conform to them.

During the adjustment period, your mouth, gums, and tongue will learn to keep them in place. Allow them to adjust appropriately for some time, and be patient when keeping them in place every time they move or slip out.

How to solve this: This issue typically disappears on its own as you learn to get used to your new dentures. Now, suppose your dentures keep on slipping out after a few weeks. In that case, you may use denture adhesives or visit a Winnipeg denture clinic to have them adjusted.

2. Communicating

It’s uncomfortable and troublesome to speak when you have new dentures. It might feel strange in your mouth, resulting in your inability to talk normally.

So condition your mouth muscles and tongue with the sensations of speaking. This will take some time and need some patience. However, once your mouth is familiar with your new dentures, you’ll get back to talking normally.

How to solve this: The best way to deal with this denture problem is to practice speaking, even in private. Also, speak regularly and always talk to yourself until you feel comfortable. Additionally, you may read aloud and sing along to your favourite songs. This will help you get used to speaking with dentures and feel confident about it in time.

3. Chewing

Another common problem you will experience after getting new dentures is difficulty chewing or eating. This is because, after teeth extraction, your mouth needs time to heal and get used to your new dentures.

Your dentures might slip out while eating. Additionally, it can be painful to eat some foods, and seeds and nuts may get stuck between your teeth. All these can cause discomfort and frustration, which you must endure for some time.

How to solve this: Avoid eating hard and sticky food in the first several weeks after you get your new dentures. Eat soft foods instead and cut your food into smaller pieces, making it easier for you to eat. This lessens the pressure on your gums and mouth muscles when you eat. Then, gradually work your way up to harder food as your gums and mouth adjust.

4. Cleaning 

Denture care is essential. However, getting used to it takes time. Also, you must remember that if you don’t clean your dentures properly, it may cause damage and other problems.

Experts advise brushing your dentures every day. Use toothbrushes with a non-abrasive cleaner and an advanced multi-action bristle. Avoid using regular toothbrushes as they’re abrasive and may damage your dentures.

Also, you may use a commercial denture cleaner, dishwashing liquid, or mild hand soap to clean your dentures safely.

Remove your dentures from your mouth to brush them. Be careful in removing and cleaning your dentures. Dropping may cause some breaks, chips, or other damage.

Place a towel at the bottom of your sink to protect your dentures if they fall. You may also fill the sink with water.

Now, suppose you discover some damage on your dentures. In that case, you need to get to a clinic and have some denture repair in Winnipeg done.

How to solve this: Your dentures need proper care at all times. So practice good daily denture cleaning. Consult your denturist if you discover some issues.

5. Feeling Some Discomfort and Irritation

One of the most common denture problems you will experience is discomfort and irritation as you adjust and get used to wearing your new dentures. Soreness or inflammation is often caused by your dentures rubbing your gums.

However, as your mouth and gum adjust to your new dentures, the irritation and discomfort will gradually disappear. If there is still pain after several weeks, it is best to consult your dentist to have it checked.

How to solve this: Whenever you feel pain in your mouth, gargle with a saltwater solution for relief. Also, you may massage your gums or take over-the-counter pain relief medication.

6. Producing Too Much Saliva

Your body may get confused and think that your new dentures are food. This will cause your salivary glands to produce more saliva. Fortunately, once your mouth gets used to your new dentures, your salivary glands will return to normal again.

How to solve it: Unfortunately, there’s nothing much you can do to deal with this problem. You have to be prepared to deal with it by swallowing more often. Your mouth and saliva glands will adjust to your new dentures after some time, and this issue will disappear.

7. Experiencing Dry Mouth and Bad Breath

Dry mouth and bad breath are common denture problems. Additionally, bacteria may accumulate and cause a foul odour if you don\’t carefully clean your dentures.

Bacteria and particles from food and drink may get caught in the crevices of your dentures. So, properly cleaning your denture is essential to prevent bacteria from congregating and multiplying in your mouth.

Furthermore, a dry mouth can make the condition worse. Bacteria grow in a dry mouth, and this leads to bad breath. Discomfort and irritation in the gums may also result in bad breath.

How to solve this: Proper oral care is crucial in preventing this problem. Ensure that you carefully and properly clean your dentures every day. Maintaining good oral hygiene prevents bacteria from thriving in your dentures and mouth.

8. Getting Gum Infection

Wearing dentures can cause mouth infections and gum diseases, such as cheilitis and stomatitis. Denture stomatitis, also called thrush, is caused by candida–a fungus found in the mouth and gum tissue. This is often caused by not properly cleaning your mouth.

It is important to treat gum infection immediately as this condition can cause mouth sores and may result in ill-fitting dentures in the future.

How to solve this: Good oral hygiene and dental care are essential in preventing stomatitis and other mouth infections. Clean your mouth and dentures properly and regularly. Use the right toothpaste and floss after brushing your teeth.

Did you know?

Studies on ancient Egyptian mummies and skeletons showed the existence and use of dentures even during that time. Then, dental prostheses were made from gold, wood, brass, and even ivory. 

Get Your Dentures at the Koster Denture Clinic

There are several common problems when wearing new dentures. However, most of them disappear after a few weeks. So keeping your denture and mouth clean is essential to prevent other issues. If you experience these common denture problems, consult your dentist immediately.

Our team of dentists at the Koster Denture Clinic will ensure that you get properly fitted dentures. Contact us to make an appointment.

FAQs on Common Denture Problems

Can you develop temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction from wearing dentures?

Yes. If you wear ill-fitting dentures, it can lead to jaw bone displacement. This may result in TMJ dysfunction.

What are chiclet teeth?

Chiclet teeth are unnatural-looking and overly big and white.

What can you do about loose dentures?

You can use denture adhesive to keep loose dentures in place. Remember that dentures are made specifically for your mouth, so they should fit perfectly. However, if you notice your dentures start to loosen, schedule an appointment with your denturist immediately to have them fixed.