Oral health is universally important, but the challenges that each patient will face vary depending on the age bracket they’re part of. For example, older adults may deal with dry mouth as a result of medication or sensitive teeth, while those who wear ill-fitting dentures may develop sores and find chewing difficult or painful.

While common, there are still some challenges associated with wearing dentures and getting adjusted to them. However, older adults should know that professional help is readily available should they need it.

Oral health education

Wearing dentures can become problematic for some people, which is an issue since many will need them for the rest of their lives, so they must be comfortable to wear on a daily basis. Physical discomfort can be a major issue, as dentures can lead to sores as a result of badly fitting acrylic or metal bases that end up irritating the gums. Even minor pressure shifts can cause friction or blisters, so it’s important that they fit properly. New dentures frequently feel odd or bulky, and patients might produce excess saliva while their mouths adjust. Dry mouth is more commonly linked to medication or a health condition and can make dentures less comfortable.

Long-term issues include infections and inflammation, with severe cases including chronic problems such as denture stomatitis. Proper oral hygiene and gentle care can help manage symptoms and prevent damage from taking place. If it’s your first time wearing dentures, you can ask your dentist for information on how to care for yours. Your dentist should cover these aspects when the dentures are fitted. For example, denture care at Perfect Smiles Dentistry is tailored to each patient’s particular needs, with final adjustments made for fit and comfort. The most important thing is to brush gently with a nonabrasive denture cleanser, follow the product instructions, avoid hot water since it can warp the dentures, and rinse them after every meal.

Medication

Ask your dentist about medication options if you’re still dealing with issues when it comes to your dentures. There are many issues that can be caused or worsened by taking several medications for chronic conditions. For example, dry mouth can be exacerbated by certain blood pressure medications, immunosuppressants can increase the risk of infections, while corticosteroids and some osteoporosis treatments can affect dental treatment planning. Your dentist should know exactly what you take.

However, there are some treatments that can help with the symptoms, depending on their cause. Topical oral gels may be recommended to ease irritation and soothe sore areas. Before taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug, older adults should check with their dentist or physician. In the case of an infection, you’ll need something that targets the problem directly, such as a prescribed antifungal treatment. Hydration aids or artificial saliva can lubricate the tissue for long-term comfort.

Medical history

Your medical history is crucial even in the case of getting dentures fixed. Bone and tissue healing are important, since diabetes or a history of head-and-neck radiation therapy can affect healing, infection risk, or saliva production. Tooth extractions require adequate blood clotting so your dentist must know if you take blood thinners or have been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder. Autoimmune illnesses that limit saliva production can affect denture comfort, while allergies, particularly those to metals, acrylics, latex, or some medications, may influence the materials used. High blood pressure and other conditions should also be mentioned because they may affect treatment planning or medication choices.

Caregiver support

Many older adults need the support of a caregiver and when it comes to medical matters these individuals will need the additional help too. Caregivers must remember to remove dentures every night to protect the gums, use a soft denture brush, and keep the dentures in a cup of water or an appropriate soaking solution. You can also place a soft washcloth in the sink so that there’s no risk of the dentures falling in the sink during cleaning and ending up with cracks. Storing them in a marked container can guarantee that they don’t end up being thrown away by accident, but they should not be left to dry.

The best nutrition

Maintaining good nutrition is one of the pillars of oral health and dentures are no exception. Proteins in the form of well-cooked beans, tofu, scrambled eggs, and fish served with side dishes like mashed, roasted, or steamed vegetables will provide you with the vitamins you need without the risk of straining your gums. Dairy products can support bone health, while oatmeal, soft rice, and quinoa provide satiety and support good digestion. Avoid hard foods, whether it’s candy, raw carrots, or whole nuts, as well as sticky foods at first. As you get used to the dentures, add them back gradually if they do not cause pain or become trapped under the base. Small seeds like poppy or sesame are also known to irritate the gums as they can easily slip under the base. Sipping water between bites can also help keep your mouth cleaner.

Professional assessment

Professional assessments are absolutely imperative when it comes to wearing dentures. Your dentist will evaluate the comfort, fit, and overall health of your oral tissues to determine whether things are working properly or if adjustments are needed. Your dentures shouldn’t slip or move around when you’re chewing or speaking. Your upper and lower teeth must meet to ensure a balanced bite and your gums and jaw will be checked to spot potential signs of shrinkage or inflammation. The aesthetics are also taken into consideration since the dentures play a significant role in facial support, lip posture, and the way in which you pronounce words.

If you must wear dentures, you need to make sure that they’re comfortable to wear. If they cause persistent discomfort, make sure to check with your dentist as soon as possible to prevent the issues from becoming worse.