Some common denture problems are mouth pain and sores, improper fitting, and eating difficulties. Denture problems are not that rare for anyone to experience, mainly because putting something foreign in one’s mouth can prove to be really uncomfortable and awkward. Sometimes, denture problems can occur with other problems occurring in the teeth, tongue, and gums, with the problem causing the other problem to worsen.
Pain inside and around the mouth can be very common, especially when dentures are newly worn. A few days of pain may be experienced while a person is adjusting to the dentures, but a visit to the dentist may be necessary if the pain persists. Constant pain may mean that the dentures do not sit securely on the gum, an issue that can lead to mouth and gum sores. This is because a patient’s gums and jawbones may have begun contracting, thus providing an unstable base for the dentures to sit on. Regular visits to the dentist can avoid denture problems like these, as the dentist can provide the patient with properly-fitted dentures.
Dentists usually recommend eating hard and gummy foods in moderation when using dentures, but general difficulty in chewing might pose real denture problems. The reason behind this may be a misalignment of the dentures in the upper and lower teeth, especially on the molars. Sometimes, the dentures bump against the patient’s natural teeth, causing some pressure when eating. If the patient is elderly, the main cause of the problem would be gum and tissue shrinkage. Whatever the cause of the eating difficulty, a dentist is the only qualified person to make a diagnosis, so an urgent visit to the dentist is necessary.
When dentures do not fit well, not only do they give pain and chewing problems, they also prevent a patient from speaking and pronouncing words clearly. Some unnecessary sounds such as clacks and whistles may be heard, and the “s” sounds can come out as “sh.” These denture problems are mainly produced when the dentures are loose and do not stay in place when the mouth is going through continuous motion, such as in talking. The dentures end up colliding against the tongue, or the teeth, creating indistinguishable sounds. In these cases, a dentist may readjust and reline the dentures, or replace them altogether if needed.
Other common denture problems include insufficient suction between dentures and gums, gum infection, and even wrinkles around the mouth. One can avoid the worst of these problems with constant maintenance of dentures, proper hygiene, and regular dental checkups. Properly-fitted dentures will not only make a person function well, but can also make her appearance better.