Dentures are more comfortable and helpful than ever before. However, there are still some common problems that many denture wearers experience. Proper denture care and diet can help keep the gums and mouth healthy and avoid irritation or infections.
Dentures are available at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. Our team can provide you with solutions and tips to correct common denture problems. Call us at (858) 748-2101 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
What to expect with dentures
Getting dentures for the first time will result in large lifestyle changes. Denture wearers should expect diet changes and discomfort at first. These appliances are not as efficient at chewing as natural teeth and can cover the palate, which plays an important role in sensing flavors. This causes many denture wearers to gravitate towards more processed foods that are also naturally higher in fat, salt, and sugar. We recommend denture wearers eat a diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
When wearing dentures for the first time, it is normal to experience some soreness and discomfort. The University of Iowa's College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics states that it is not unusual for dentures to be relined or remade within six to eight weeks after tooth extraction. This will occur as the mouth muscles adjust and get used to the appliance. As people get used to their dentures, pain and discomfort will disappear, and they can resume their normal activities comfortably.
“Getting dentures for the first time will result in large lifestyle changes.”
What to look out for when wearing dentures
The most important thing to do is keep the mouth clean and healthy. If patients find that their dentures are rubbing and causing sore spots, they should immediately see us for assessment and relining of the dentures. All patients, even those with no natural teeth, should get regular dental checkups at least twice a year.
If someone wearing dentures finds that the dentures' fit has changed significantly, they should make an appointment with our office to find the root cause of the changes. Shrinkage of the gums and jawbone is common when no longer supporting teeth; however, swelling and inflammation could be from an underlying health condition.
“Every patient, even those with no natural teeth, should get regular dental checkups at least twice per year.”
Taking care of dentures while traveling
People can still have a great time while traveling with dentures. However, it is important to maintain a regular cleaning routine. Denture wearers should pack a small case with denture care items, such as a covered storage container.
Cleanser creams, gels, and pastes can travel as long as they meet airline size requirements for liquids. It is also important to maintain proper denture care while traveling. People should remove and rinse their dentures after every meal, brush daily, and soak them overnight.
“It is crucial to seek treatment quickly when problems with dentures arise.”
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Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Precautions with food
When wearing new dentures, it is a good idea to eat soft foods and take small bites. Chew slowly and try to use both sides of the mouth so the jaw muscles can get a firm hold. Alternatively, some people decide to use denture adhesive for extra stability. We recommend avoiding hard, hot, tough, or sticky foods to minimize potential teeth damage.
Hot foods can cause problems initially because the lower temperature sensitivity increases the risk of accidental burns. Once patients get used to the difference, they can start introducing hot foods to their diet again. Avoid foods like hard vegetables, seeds, and nuts that can damage dentures and refrain from chewing gum, peanut butter, and other sticky foods that make it more difficult to clean dentures.
“When wearing new dentures, it is a good idea to eat soft foods and take small bites.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. What should people expect when getting dentures?
Q. How should people take care of their dentures while traveling?
Q. What food should denture wearers eat?
Q. What should people be wary of when wearing dentures?
Q. Do dentures cause oropharyngeal cancer?
People also ask
Q. What is the proper way to take care of my dentures?
Q. How can I tell if my dentures need to be relined or rebased?
Q. What should I do if my dentures start to feel uncomfortable?
Q. How should new denture wearers change their eating practices?
Q. What lifestyle changes will people experience after getting dentures?
Q. What is a good overnight cleaning routine?
Q. What is the importance of seeing a dentist for denture repair?
Checking for oropharyngeal cancer
While dentures will not cause oral cancer, a combination of poor fit and poor hygiene for an extended period can cause irritation, infection, and inflammation associated with oral cancer. As such, it is imperative for patients to take proper care of their teeth at all times.
Oak Tree Dental can check for oropharyngeal cancer during a routine examination. The screening will begin with Oak Tree Dental examining the oral tissues, carefully checking the gums, inside of the cheeks, and tongue. The roof and floor of the mouth will also be examined.
“While dentures will not cause oral cancer, a combination of poor fit and poor hygiene for an extended period can cause irritation, infection, and inflammation associated with oral cancer.”
Frequently asked questions
Dentures restore part of a person's chewing capacity compared with having no teeth. However, a denture-wearer will not have the biting force of a person with a complete set of healthy, natural teeth. Chewing with dentures can be mastered with practice.
Learning to speak clearly with dentures requires practice. It may take a few weeks, but it does get easier. For example, reading aloud is an effective way to practice. Speaking more slowly may also help a patient learn to enunciate while wearing dentures.
Foods that are not sticky or hard are usually preferred for denture-wearers. It is a good idea to avoid foods with small seeds or hard bits. Foods that have been cut into small pieces are easiest for a person with dentures to eat.
To keep a pair of dentures clean, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least once a day. It also helps to rinse them after eating. Soak them overnight in an appropriate solution to make sure they keep their shape.
The most reliable source of information about denture care and oral health is a dental professional such as Oak Tree Dental. If a patient experiences a problem with dentures, it may be an indication that it is time to visit the dentist. Always bring up any concerns and issues during an appointment.
Denture terminology
Bruxism/TMJ soreness is the pain that follows excessive and unconscious teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.
Denture adhesive help the dentures remain in the mouth and prevent them from falling out when the wearer laughs, speaks or eats.
The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.
Denture slippage is when dentures fall out of place or become loose since the jawbone beneath the gums lack stimulation and begin to diminish.
Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.
Poor fitting dentures are typically loose dentures that do not fit properly and fall out when the individual is eating, speaking or laughing.
Patients who do not seek proper dental treatment lose teeth will find that it becomes difficult to speak properly and may need artificial teeth to speak clearly again.
Call us today
Taking the right precautions and actions can combat common denture problems. Our team at Oak Tree Dental can help. Call us at 858-748-2101 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.