Dry Mouth and Dentures: Why Is It Going to Be a Problem?

If you have dentures, you may have experienced dry mouth at some point. This can be a problem because dentures rely on saliva to stay in place. Without enough saliva, dentures can become loose and uncomfortable.

What Is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is a condition that can be caused by several things, including certain medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices. It occurs when the salivary glands in your mouth don’t produce enough saliva. This can lead to several problems, including:

– Difficulty speaking

– Difficulty swallowing

– A feeling of thirst

– A dry, sticky feeling in the mouth

– Cracked lips

– A burning sensation in the mouth

– An increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease

While dry mouth can be uncomfortable, it’s usually not a serious condition. There are a number of ways to treat it, including over-the-counter medications and home remedies.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

There are many causes of dry mouth, including:

– Aging

– Cancer treatment

– Dehydration

– Medications

– Nerve damage

– Sjögren’s syndrome

– Smoking

– Stress

– Surgery

– Trauma

Dry mouth can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, anemia, anxiety, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

How Does Dry Mouth Affect Dentures?

Dentures rely on saliva to stay in place. They’re designed to fit snugly against the gums, but if there’s not enough saliva, they can become loose. This can make them uncomfortable to wear and can cause them to slip out of place.

Dentures can also become stained and discolored if you have dry mouth. This is because saliva helps to keep the mouth clean and free of bacteria. Without enough saliva, bacteria can build up on the dentures and cause them to become discolored.

How to Treat Dry Mouth

There are a number of ways to treat dry mouth. If you have dentures, it’s important to find a treatment that will not only relieve your symptoms but also help to keep your dentures in place.

– Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water.

– Suck on sugar-free hard candy or chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.

– Use a saliva substitute such as xylitol gum or mouthwash.

– Avoid tobacco products and alcohol, which can make dry mouth worse.

– Talk to your dentist or doctor about medications that may be causing dry mouth and see if there are alternatives.

If you are having difficulty wearing dentures due to dry mouth, talk to your dentist. They may be able to adjust your dentures or recommend other treatment options.

Lastly, consider implant-secured dentures. Implant-secured dentures are a type of denture that is attached to four to six implant posts in the jawline. The posts are permanent, but the dentures can be removed.

Conclusion

If you are suffering from dry mouth and are wearing dentures, it is important to be aware of the potential problems that can arise. While dentures can help to alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth, they can also cause further irritation and inflammation. If you are experiencing any discomfort, it is best to consult with your dentist to find the best course of treatment.

Weymouth Dental Arts offers the services of a trusted Weymouth dentist who can provide you with the dental treatment that you need. Schedule your appointment today!