A plethora of people living in Virginia have lost single or multiple teeth because of numerous reasons such as injury, aging, or disease. A lost tooth does not merely compromise functionality but affects the aesthetic of the face, too.

People who were unfortunately affected turn to a prosthodontic treatment in Roanoke, VA, to restore functionality and the aesthetic of a natural tooth. The denture is one such treatment and a pretty popular alternative among people and prosthodontists.

But, like everything, dentures have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and people sometimes face problems with dentures, which are, of course, subjective and not everyone faces but still common among a lot of denture wearers.

What Are Such Prevalent Problems?

Some common problems that denture wearers face include soreness and irritation, difficulty chewing and eating, speech problems, loose and slipping dentures, and excessive saliva production. Now, let us have a closer look at each one of them.

Soreness and Irritation

A pretty common problem that denture wearers often face is soreness and irritation to the gums, which generally happen because of ill-fitting dentures that rub against the soft tissues of the mouth and result in discomfort and even ulceration. 

New dentures often need a break-in period in the initial phase, where mild soreness is no surprise. Still, if that persists for an extended period, it is a clear indication that the dentures need to be adjusted. In such scenarios, particularly, regular dental visits pay off because dentists can fine-tune the overall fit of the dentures.

Difficulty Chewing and Eating

Adapting to dentures takes time, and in the initial period, people find it difficult to eat certain foods, particularly those that are hard and sticky. The difficulty results in a restricted diet, which potentially affects the overall nutrition.

To make it easy to transition, wearers can start with soft foods and then gradually move towards different textured foods. Chopping or cutting food into smaller pieces and slowly chewing can help to make the eating experience better.

Speech Problems

Speech problems are another prevalent challenge faced by denture wearers. The person finds it difficult to pronounce certain sounds because the dentures tend to affect the interaction between the lips and the tongue, which can be really frustrating for people who are pretty self-conscious about their speech.

Such wearers can try numerous things, such as reading aloud, practicing speaking, and repeating words that are difficult to pronounce with dentures to let the mouth adjust to the new appliance. With time, the speech of most denture wearers gets back to normal because the mouth gets accustomed to the changes.

Loose and Slipping Dentures

Loose and slipping dentures can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for the wearer. Such problems often arise when the underlying bone structure goes through some changes, which results in a poor fit. Some common factors that can alter the fit of the dentures include aging, weight loss, and bone resorption.

The utilization of denture adhesives can provide some temporary relief. Still, for a more long-term solution, regular visits to dental checkups are needed to evaluate the situation and act accordingly.

Excessive Saliva Production

Excessive saliva production is a typical response when the dentures are initially fitted because the mouth often perceives dentures as foreign objects and stimulates the salivary gland to produce more saliva. The issue itself typically resolves within a few weeks, but the period can be inconvenient and uncomfortable for some wearers.

Chewing gums, sipping water, and swallowing frequently can help control the excessive saliva until the body adjusts to the changes.

Role of Regular Dental Check-Ups

Such problems do create discomfort if they persist for an extended period. Still, through regular dental check-ups, the dentist can properly evaluate the condition and make adjustments wherever it is needed.