How to Tell Your Dentures Need Adjusting
If you’ve been wearing dentures for a few years, you have either had them adjusted or thought about it at some point. There are a few reasons why your dentures might need an adjustment. Find out when you should see your prosthodontist about a check-up or adjustment.
#1 Pressure Sores on Gums
Just because your dentures were a perfect fit the day you picked them up doesn’t mean they will stay that way. Gums change making dentures a poor fit. Rather than the dentures placing even pressure across all areas of the gum, they can put more pressure on one area of the gum causing a pressure sore. By adjusting the dentures, it can take the pressure off and even out the pressure across the arch.
#2 Mouth Sores
Dentures can make mouth sores worse due to fissures on the surface of the dentures. Also, oral infections such as thrush are more likely when using dentures. The white patches on the gums or tongue can erode gum tissue, making them painful. If you notice any rough patches on your dentures, visit your prosthodontist to have your dentures checked.
#3 Irritation on the Gums
Make sure you look after your gums and palate by brushing them twice daily with a soft toothbrush. Keeping gums healthy means they’re less likely to get an infection. If you notice any inflammation or bleeding on the gums, it’s time for your prosthodontist to check your dentures for any defects that may be causing the irritation.
#4 Odour
Dentures need nightly brushing and rinsing to remove bacteria that can cause odours. If you notice your dentures smell even after soaking them in a cleaning solution, the dentures may have a defect that’s causing the odour. Make an appointment so your prosthodontist can check your dentures and give them a professional clean.
#5 Finding it Hard to Chew
For dentures to allow you to chew a variety of foods with ease, they need to be a good fit. If you find that eating has become more difficult, the shape of your gums may have changed. To restore your chewing function, organise for your orthodontist to refit your dentures.
#6 Slurred Speech
For clear speech, dentures also need to fit well. If you or your loved one notices your speech has become slurred or you have developed a lisp, your dentures are most likely to blame because they are moving slightly on your gums as you talk. Ask your prosthodontist to adjust them so you have a better fit.
#7 Changed Appearance
If the look of your dentures has changed in any way, it’s time to see your prosthodontist. Over time just like teeth, dentures can become stained from foods like tomato-based sauces and drinks such as red wine. To keep your dentures looking good, ask your prosthodontist to give them a professional clean.
Dentures can be broken, chipped, pitted or cracked. When this happens, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible so they don’t cause any injuries to your gum or mouth. There are many things around the home that you can fix by DIY but dentures isn’t one of them. You may cause irreparable damage to the dentures and any adhesive product you can buy over the counter is unlikely to be safe to put in your mouth.
If you have any queries about the fit or appearance of your dentures, don’t hesitate to call us on (08) 9321 1632 or contact us online.