Common Issues with Dentures and How to Fix Them

Dentures can be life-changing for people who have lost some or all of their teeth. They restore not just your smile, but also your ability to speak and eat comfortably. However, adjusting to dentures can come with challenges. Common issues like poor fit, difficulty eating certain foods, speech problems, and bad breath may arise. But the good news is that many of these problems have simple fixes!

Poor Fit and Discomfort

One of the most common complaints from denture wearers is that their dentures don’t fit well, leading to discomfort. This can happen for several reasons. Over time, your gums and jawbone can change shape, especially after tooth loss. This gradual change can cause dentures to become loose and rub against the gums, creating sore spots or irritation. A poor fit doesn’t just cause discomfort. It can also lead to functional issues, such as difficulty chewing or even speaking. Ill-fitting dentures may also slip or shift in your mouth, which can be both embarrassing and painful.

How to Fix It: The best way to fix poorly fitting dentures is to visit your dentist for an adjustment. Dentures need to be relined or rebased periodically to maintain a proper fit. A reline involves adding new material to the inside of the dentures to fit the contours of your gums more precisely. A rebase is more extensive and involves replacing the entire base of the dentures while keeping the original teeth intact.

In the meantime, if you’re experiencing discomfort, using a denture adhesive can provide temporary relief. These adhesives help to keep your dentures in place and reduce rubbing. However, this is just a short-term solution. A visit to the dentist is crucial to ensure your dentures fit well and don’t cause any damage to your gums or bone structure over time. Don’t hesitate to schedule a check-up if you feel any discomfort. Regular adjustments will help keep your dentures fitting snugly, so you can stay comfortable and confident.

Difficulty Chewing Certain Foods

If you’ve just started wearing dentures, you might find that eating certain foods becomes more challenging. Foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy can be particularly difficult to manage with dentures. For example, biting into an apple or chewing on a piece of steak might cause discomfort or even dislodge the dentures. Hard foods like nuts can slip under the dentures and irritate your gums. Chewing with dentures can feel awkward at first, and it’s normal to feel frustrated if you’re struggling to enjoy your meals. Over time, as your mouth gets used to the dentures, this issue tends to improve. However, if the problem persists, it could be due to a poor fit or other issues with the dentures.

How to Fix It: When adjusting to dentures, start with soft, easy-to-chew foods. Soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and scrambled eggs are great options when you’re getting used to eating with dentures. Cutting your food into smaller, bite-sized pieces can also make a big difference. Chew slowly and evenly on both sides of your mouth to prevent your dentures from shifting.

As you get more comfortable, you can gradually introduce harder foods into your diet. Avoid extremely sticky or chewy foods, like caramel or gum, as they can pull at the dentures and cause discomfort. If you still have trouble chewing certain foods after some time, talk to your dentist. They may need to adjust the alignment of your dentures or recommend alternatives, like implant-supported dentures, which offer more stability.

Speech Problems

Speaking clearly can be a challenge for new denture wearers. At first, dentures may feel bulky in your mouth, and this can affect your ability to pronounce certain words. Many people struggle with sounds like “s” or “th” and might feel self-conscious about speaking in public. This is a very common issue, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Learning to speak with dentures takes time, and your mouth will eventually adjust to the new shape of your teeth. However, if your speech problems persist, it could be a sign that your dentures need to be adjusted.

How to Fix It: The best way to improve your speech with dentures is to practice. Reading aloud, talking to yourself, or repeating difficult words can help your mouth and tongue adapt to the dentures. You might notice that certain words are harder to say than others, so focus on those sounds during your practice.

If your dentures are shifting while you talk, this could be a sign that they don’t fit properly. In this case, a visit to your dentist is essential. They can make small adjustments to the dentures that might help you speak more comfortably. For some, denture adhesives can provide extra stability, making it easier to talk without fear of the dentures slipping. As you gain confidence and experience, your speech will naturally improve.

Bad Breath and Denture Odor

Bad breath is an issue that can affect denture wearers, especially if proper oral hygiene isn’t maintained. Food particles can get trapped in your dentures, and if they’re not cleaned properly, bacteria will start to build up. Over time, this can cause unpleasant odors to develop, both from your dentures and your breath. Denture odor can be embarrassing, and it may make you hesitant to socialize or talk closely with others. The good news is that this problem is easily preventable with proper care.

How to Fix It: To prevent bad breath and denture odor, clean your dentures thoroughly every day. After every meal, remove your dentures and rinse them under running water to get rid of any food particles. Use a non-abrasive denture cleaner to brush all surfaces of your dentures, and avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be too harsh and may damage the material.

Soaking your dentures in a denture cleaning solution overnight is also essential. This helps to kill any bacteria that may have accumulated during the day. In the morning, rinse your dentures before putting them back in your mouth. Don’t forget about your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth! Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush to remove bacteria and keep your mouth clean. With proper cleaning, you’ll prevent odors and keep your dentures fresh.

Final Thoughts

Dentures can significantly improve your life by restoring function and appearance. However, like anything new, they come with an adjustment period. Common issues like poor fit, difficulty eating, speech challenges, and bad breath can arise, but they don’t have to be long-term problems.

By following these simple tips and staying on top of your oral hygiene, you can make your dentures much more comfortable and manageable. And don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly to keep your dentures fitting properly and working as they should. If you’re dealing with any of these issues, remember that you’re not alone, and solutions are within reach. With the right care and a little patience, you should soon feel comfortable and confident with your dentures.

New Beginnings Dentistry is your spot for all things dental. We make sure all your dental needs are met. Schedule an appointment with us today!