Common Denture Problems and Solutions - Troubleshooting Your Dentures

Dentures can significantly improve your quality of life, but like any dental appliance, they may occasionally present challenges. Understanding common denture problems and their solutions can help you maintain optimal comfort and function while knowing when to seek professional help. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most frequent denture issues and practical ways to address them.

Loose or Ill-Fitting Dentures

The Problem

Loose dentures are one of the most common complaints among denture wearers. This can occur due to natural changes in your mouth shape, bone loss, weight changes, or simply normal wear over time.

Solutions

Immediate Relief: Use denture adhesive as a temporary solution, but don’t rely on it long-term for poorly fitting dentures.

Professional Adjustment: Visit your dentist for a denture reline, which involves adding material to the tissue side of the denture to improve fit.

Long-term Solution: Consider implant-supported dentures for permanent stability.

When to Seek Help

If your dentures are consistently loose despite adhesive use, or if you experience pain, schedule a dental appointment promptly.

Denture Sore Spots

The Problem

Sore spots develop when dentures rub against your gums, causing irritation, pain, and sometimes ulcers. This is often due to poor fit, sharp edges, or pressure points.

Solutions

Immediate Relief: Remove dentures to give tissues time to heal, use warm salt water rinses, and apply oral pain relief gel.

Temporary Fix: Use dental wax to cover sharp edges or rough spots until you can see your dentist.

Professional Treatment: Your dentist can adjust pressure points and smooth rough areas.

Prevention Tips

• Ensure proper denture hygiene
• Don’t sleep with dentures in
• Use denture adhesive appropriately
• Have regular dental checkups

Difficulty Eating

The Problem

New denture wearers often struggle with eating, especially harder or stickier foods. This can lead to nutritional concerns and social embarrassment.

Solutions

Start Slowly: Begin with soft foods cut into small pieces and gradually introduce firmer textures.

Chewing Technique: Chew slowly and use both sides of your mouth equally to prevent dentures from tipping.

Food Modifications:

• Choose softer alternatives (ground meat instead of steak)
• Steam vegetables until tender
• Avoid sticky or hard foods initially

Use Denture Adhesive: For additional stability during meals.

Foods to Avoid Initially

• Nuts and seeds
• Sticky candies
• Hard fruits and vegetables
• Tough meats
• Popcorn

Speech Difficulties

The Problem

Dentures can initially affect speech, causing lisping, clicking sounds, or difficulty pronouncing certain letters, particularly S, F, and T sounds.

Solutions

Practice Exercises: Read aloud daily, practice difficult words, and speak slowly until you adjust.

Proper Positioning: Ensure your tongue learns to work with your new dentures.

Professional Adjustment: If problems persist, your dentist may need to adjust the denture thickness or position.

Be Patient: Most speech issues resolve within 2-4 weeks as you adapt.

Denture Staining and Discoloration

The Problem

Dentures can become stained from foods, drinks, tobacco use, or inadequate cleaning, affecting their appearance and your confidence.

Solutions

Daily Cleaning: Brush dentures daily with denture-specific cleaners, not regular toothpaste.

Soaking: Use denture cleaning tablets or solutions regularly.

Avoid Staining Substances: Limit coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.

Professional Cleaning: Regular dental visits include professional denture cleaning.

Cleaning Don’ts

• Don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals
• Don’t use hot water (can warp dentures)
• Don’t use regular toothpaste (too abrasive)

Gagging and Nausea

The Problem

Some denture wearers experience gagging, especially with upper dentures, due to the bulk of the appliance or psychological factors.

Solutions

Gradual Adaptation: Start by wearing dentures for short periods and gradually increase wear time.

Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing and relaxation exercises.

Professional Adjustment: Your dentist can reduce bulk or adjust the palatal coverage.

Desensitization: Practice with the dentures out of your mouth first, then gradually work up to wearing them.

Excessive Saliva Production

The Problem

New dentures often stimulate increased saliva production as your mouth adjusts to the foreign object.

Solutions

Time and Patience: This typically resolves within a few weeks as your mouth adapts.

Frequent Swallowing: Be conscious of swallowing more frequently.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help manage saliva consistency.

Professional Evaluation: If excessive saliva persists beyond a month, consult your dentist.

Denture Breakage

The Problem

Dentures can crack, chip, or break due to dropping, normal wear, or biting on hard objects.

Solutions

Immediate Care: Save all pieces and avoid DIY repairs with household glue.

Professional Repair: Take broken dentures to your dentist immediately for proper repair.

Temporary Solutions: Some dental offices offer same-day repairs or temporary dentures.

Prevention

• Handle dentures carefully over a towel or water
• Don’t bite hard objects
• Store properly when not wearing
• Regular dental checkups to catch wear early

Bad Breath with Dentures

The Problem

Poor denture hygiene can lead to bacteria buildup, causing bad breath and oral health issues.

Solutions

Improved Hygiene: Clean dentures thoroughly daily and soak overnight.

Clean Your Mouth: Brush your gums, tongue, and palate daily.

Regular Dental Visits: Professional cleanings remove buildup you can’t reach.

Proper Storage: Store dentures in fresh denture solution daily.

When to See Your Dentist

Seek professional help if you experience:

• Persistent pain or sore spots
• Difficulty eating or speaking after the adjustment period
• Loose dentures that don’t improve with adhesive
• Cracks, chips, or breaks
• Signs of infection (swelling, fever, persistent bad taste)
• Changes in fit due to weight loss or gain

Prevention is Key

Regular Maintenance

• Daily cleaning routine
• Proper storage when not wearing
• Regular dental checkups
• Prompt attention to minor issues

Lifestyle Considerations

• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Eat a balanced diet
• Avoid harmful habits
• Stay hydrated
• Don’t sleep with dentures in

Conclusion

While denture problems can be frustrating, most issues have effective solutions. The key is to address problems promptly and work with your dental professional to find the best solutions for your specific situation. Remember that adjusting to dentures takes time, and minor issues are normal during the adaptation period. With proper care, regular maintenance, and professional support, your dentures can provide years of comfortable function and help you maintain an active, confident lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to contact your dentist whenever you have concerns – they’re there to help you achieve the best possible outcome with your dentures.