5 SIGNS YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR DENTURES
Dentures are artificial and removable dental appliances that replace lost or missing teeth. The main reason why dentures are preferred is that they fill out the gaps left behind by the missing teeth and provide support to the patient’s cheeks and lips. Without this support, people find it challenging to speak and eat properly. Moreover, lost teeth leave a gap in the mouth, resulting in sagging facial muscles that can affect the appearance of people and make them look older.
There are generally two main types of dentures that are chosen worldwide, including full and partial dentures. Over the years, dentures have undergone numerous advancements in order to improve their fit and function. But unfortunately, no matter how reliable or durable they are, they will eventually need to be replaced after a certain span of time.
Here are 5 signs that indicate that it is time to get your dentures replaced, as worn-down dentures can damage your gums. Therefore, it is necessary to have them replaced before they exert any extensive damage to your oral health.
1. YOUR DENTURES NO LONGER FEEL COMFORTABLE.
Dentures are supposed to be worn all day without causing any kind of pain or discomfort. If they no longer serve you well, it might be possible that they have been damaged.
With time, the jawbone beneath the dentures erodes and becomes thinner. As a result, the gums lose their ability to properly grip the dentures and keep them in place. A person should immediately contact his dentist for a denture replacement if his dentures are becoming loose, no longer feel comfortable, or are falling out of his mouth.
2. IT HAS BECOME DIFFICULT TO SPEAK AND EAT.
Dentures are specifically fabricated according to the mouth impressions of patients so that they can enable people to speak and chew properly. But if you find out that these removable dental devices frequently slip out of place when you are talking or eating, it is time to get your dentures examined by your dental health professional.
Dentures usually make speaking and chewing difficult when someone uses more adhesive in an effort to keep them secure. Loose-fitted dentures can potentially cause harm to your overall dental health; that’s why it is crucial to have them replaced before it gets too late.
3. DENTURES SHOW VISIBLE SIGNS OF DAMAGE AND DISCOLORATION.
A damaged denture can impact the health of your gums and other tissues in your mouth. Moreover, a severely stained or discolored denture can also affect your self-esteem and take away your freedom to smile confidently.
If your denture has visible signs of damage and discoloration, do not try to fix this issue alone, as you can accidentally worsen the damage. Always consult your dentist, as he might be able to repair your prosthetic. However, if the damage is beyond repair, you should prepare yourself for the possibility that you might need to get a new set.
4. YOU FEEL DISCOMFORT OR IRRITATION IN THE GUM TISSUE.
The most common cause for irritated or sore gums is when food particles get stuck between your dentures and your gums. This usually happens when your dentures are ill-fitted. But it is still possible for food to pave its way between your gums and dentures, even if they have a good fit.
Therefore, if you experience this issue, immediately get an appointment fixed with your dental health professional in order to prevent severe consequences. Because if the issue is not corrected at the right time, it can potentially lead to lesions, sores, and other injuries to your gum tissues.
5. YOU HAVE RECURRING JAW PAIN.
Poor-fitted and damaged dentures can sometimes lead to complications such as jaw pain and neck pain. Sometimes, you may even develop headaches from the irritation of the jaw pain, which is located on either side of your face, connecting your jaw to your skull. If the pain is frequent and does not go on its own, your dentures might be the reason to cause this discomfort. Therefore, if you are facing any of these issues, make sure to get your dentures replaced as soon as possible.
CARE TIPS TO INCREASE THE LONGEVITY OF DENTURES:
Though after a certain period, dentures get worn down and need to be replaced, still with some care tips, you can increase their longevity and make them last for more than ten years. Here are some steps you should follow in order to increase the lifespan of your dentures:
- HAVE DENTURES RELINED AS NEEDED:
With time, the jawbone deteriorates, and artificial teeth need to get re-adjustments. If you notice that your dentures have an uncomfortable fitting, make an appointment with your dentist and get them relined. In the relining process, dentists usually use additional materials in order to improve their performance. Moreover, a proper reline can keep the patient from needing a new set of dentures for a while. However, after several relines, a new set might be needed.
- CLEAN YOUR DENTURES EVERY NIGHT:
Prosthetic or artificial teeth can also result in deterioration due to daily use. Over time, plaque and tartar can build up, and food debris may hide in corners between your dentures and gums. So, in order to maintain your dentures, make sure to brush them every night, just like natural teeth. People should also clean their dentures after having meals to avoid staining and improve their longevity.
- STORE DENTURES IN WATER:
One of the biggest mistakes people usually make in denture maintenance is leaving them out to dry. Dentures are supposed to be kept in a moist environment because their delicate shape can warp if they are left to dry out overnight. This can alter the appearance of your dentures and also change how they fit in your mouth.
Therefore, before going to bed, make sure to keep your dentures in water or an overnight cleaning solution. Moreover, never sleep with your dentures still in your mouth, as this could result in severe irritation to your gums and can damage your overall dental health as well.
