The lower denture is a crucial oral prosthetic that restores functionality and enhances the quality of life for many people with missing teeth in the lower jaw.
However, many denture wearers encounter various challenges and problems when wearing their lower false teeth, ranging from gum soreness and inflammation to poor stability and slippage, which can significantly impact their ability to eat, speak, and feel comfortable.
You need to be able to solve these problems as they arise for your own convenience.
6 Problems affecting lower dentures and their solutions
Understanding and addressing these problems is essential to ensure optimal oral health and overall well-being:
1. Poor Stability and Slippage
One of the most common problems faced by people with lower dentures is poor stability and slippage. Ill-fitting dentures may result in discomfort, difficulty in eating, and a lack of confidence while speaking. The movement of the denture can cause irritation and sore spots on the gum tissue, and even cut the gums in severe cases.
Solution:
To counteract these issues, various solutions can be employed.
- Denture adhesives and other home remedies for loose dentures can help improve denture stability by creating a secure bond between the denture and the gum tissue.
- Additionally, you can consider implant-supported dentures, perhaps using mini implants, to provide a more stable and secure option by anchoring the denture to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone.
- Denture relining, a process that adjusts the fit of the denture base, can also enhance stability and minimize slippage.
2. Soreness and Irritation
Soreness and irritation can arise due to ill-fitting dentures that exert excessive pressure on certain areas of the gum tissue. Over time, this can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and the development of painful pressure points.
Solution:
Seeking professional help from a dentist or prosthodontist is crucial to address these concerns.
- Denture adjustment can alleviate soreness by modifying the denture’s shape and ensuring a better fit.
- Soft liners, made from cushioning materials, can be added to the denture to provide extra comfort and reduce irritation.
- Additionally, maintaining proper oral hygiene practices, including regular cleaning of the denture and gums, can help prevent soreness and minimize the risk of infection.
3. Difficulty in Chewing and Eating
The instability of the lower denture can make it difficult to bite into and chew food effectively, leading to limited food choices, compromised nutrition, and decreased overall well-being.
Solution:
To overcome these difficulties, several strategies can be employed.
- Denture stabilization techniques, such as implant-supported dentures, denture adhesives, and other homemade remedies for loose dentures provide a more secure foundation for the denture, allowing for improved chewing efficiency and bite force.
- Dietary modifications, such as choosing softer or smaller food portions, can also make eating more manageable.
- Furthermore, performing specific chewing exercises recommended by dental professionals can help strengthen the jaw muscles and improve overall oral function.
4. Speech Impediments
The presence of a lower denture can alter tongue placement and interfere with proper articulation of sounds. This can lead to difficulties in speaking clearly and confidently. However, with practice and adaptation, most individuals can overcome these challenges.
Solutions:
- Speech therapy exercises recommended by speech-language pathologists can help improve speech clarity and articulation while wearing lower dentures.
- Additionally, gradually increasing the time spent wearing the dentures and practicing speaking in different situations can enhance adaptation and confidence.
5. Bone Resorption and Denture Fit
Bone resorption can lead to changes in the shape and density of the jawbone, resulting in a loose or ill-fitting denture. This can lead to discomfort, instability, and difficulties in chewing and speaking.
Solution:
- To address this problem, implant-supported dentures offer a long-term solution. Dental implants or mini implants placed in the jawbone provide stability and prevent further bone loss.
- In cases where significant bone loss has already occurred, bone grafting procedures may be necessary to rebuild the jawbone and provide a suitable foundation for the denture.
- Denture relining is another option that involves adjusting the denture to fit the changing contours of the jawbone, ensuring a more secure and comfortable fit.
6. Gum and Tissue Inflammation
The constant rubbing and pressure exerted by ill-fitting dentures can result in sore spots, redness, and swelling.
Solutions:
- Proper oral hygiene practices, including regular cleaning of the denture and gums, are crucial in preventing inflammation.
- Additionally, seeking professional dental care for denture adjustment and ensuring a proper fit can alleviate gum and tissue inflammation.
- Dentists or prosthodontists may recommend the use of antimicrobial rinses or gels to reduce inflammation and promote gum health.
Final Thoughts
Lower denture problems can significantly impact one’s oral health, confidence, and overall quality of life. However, with the right solutions and strategies, these challenges can be overcome.
While using home remedies can provide temporary relief in some cases, it’s also important to seek professional dental care for evaluating and addressing the specific issues arising from your lower dentures. More importantly, a proactive approach can help to avoid any denture-related emergencies by keeping your annual checkup appointments.
