In this article, we discuss the most common signs that your custom dentures need adjustment or replacement and offer tips on how to care for your dentures so they last longer.

Signs Your Dentures Need Adjusting or Replacing

Sometimes, dentures can rub the soft tissues in the mouth or shift and slip when you talk or chew. Both these issues can cause irritation, sores, pain, and discomfort. However, it does not always mean that your dentures are not right for you. Such problems are common among people who are starting to wear dentures and have not yet gotten used to them. Dentists typically recommend exploring the following options to help you adjust to your new appliances:

• Use denture adhesive to make the dentures more stable.
• Maintain an effective oral hygiene routine: clean your dentures thoroughly every morning and evening, and rinse them and your mouth after every meal.
• If you have mouth sores, remove dentures to allow your gums to rest and use warm salt water or chamomile rinses to reduce irritation. Once the sores heal, you can slowly start wearing dentures again, using denture adhesive.
• Practice chewing and speaking slowly before you get used to your dentures.
• Switch to soft foods and cut your food into small pieces.

However, if the discomfort persists for several weeks, it may indicate that your dentures need adjustments or that you need to replace them with a new set. This may happen for several reasons:

• Your dentures were not made correctly according to your anatomy.
• Your dentures are damaged.
• You have been wearing your dentures for a long time, and they do not fit correctly anymore because your anatomy has changed due to the process called bone resorption (loss of jawbone density due to the absence of natural teeth)

Other signs that you need to replace your dentures include:

• The plastic parts of your dentures are deformed
• Cracks, chips, or broken teeth (these issues may not cause discomfort, but bacteria can accumulate in the cracks and cause oral health issues and bad breath over time)
• Difficulty speaking
• Persistent stains on the surface of the artificial teeth
• Unpleasant odor

How to Care for Your Dentures to Have Them Last Longer

We recommend following these simple rules to ensure your denture’s longevity:

• Clean your dentures twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and unscented soap, non-abrasive toothpaste, or a special denture-cleaning solution.
• Use only lukewarm water to clean your dentures, as hot water will warp the plastic.
• Avoid whitening toothpaste or toothpaste containing abrasive ingredients. Things like baking soda and charcoal can damage denture surfaces and create microscratches, which can lead to staining and bacterial accumulation.
• Always clean your dentures above a bowl or container filled with water to prevent damage if you accidentally drop them.
• Clean your gums and natural teeth (if present) twice a day.
• Always rinse your mouth and your dentures after meals.
• Soak your dentures in a special denture-cleaning solution at least once a week.
• Store your dentures in water or a denture solution every night. Letting your dentures dry out will deform them and make them uncomfortable.
• Avoid very hot foods and beverages to prevent denture damage.
• Use both hands to remove and insert your dentures to prevent bending.

Get High-quality Custom Dentures at Baseline Dental

If your dentures are causing you discomfort, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Baseline Dental today. At our office, we offer high-quality products and services to every patient. We are looking forward to your visit.