Dentures:
Dentures, otherwise
known as 'false teeth', are basically a removable plate
that has artificial teeth attached to it to fill in the gaps. The
plate
can be made of plastic (usually gummy pink in colour) or metal and the
artificial teeth are either made of plastic or porcelain.
Dentures are used to replace
one or more missing teeth, in one or more areas. They are
constructed
to fit the shape of your mouth and teeth, and are usually held in place
by metal clasps or wires hanging onto a few strong supporting
teeth. A
'partial' denture replaces some of the teeth, while a 'full' denture is
said to replace all teeth. 'Full' dentures are held in place by
its close fit to
the gums.
Comfort
Concerns:
If you are wearing
a denture for the first time, take heart! - because new dentures,
like new shoes, take some getting used to. The common complaints of
first-time wearers include:
-
Soreness,
pain or discomfort
-
Mouth
ulcers
-
Change in
taste
-
Accidental
cheek or tongue biting
-
Unable to
speak properly
-
Difficulty
swallowing or eating
-
Increased
saliva or drooling
-
Dentures
falling out when you cough, sneeze, spit, talk or eat
-
Tired
facial muscles
-
Sore jaws
Don't worry!
With
patience and time, you will get used to your new set of dentures if
they are made well. You will learn to use your tongue, cheeks and
lips
to hold the denture in place and get out of its way during chewing.
Your saliva production will return to normal and comfort will
improve. Unfortunately, your sense of taste will stay slightly
altered (especially for top dentures).
Caring
for Your Dentures:
Firstly, it is
important
to know the risks of wearing a denture. Food and plaque tend to
accumulate under and around the denture during regular use. If
you still have some real teeth of your own, then these are at risk of
getting decayed and there is an increase chance of gum
disease developing around them. Wearing dirty
dentures and not taking them out at night can also lead
to infections, including 'thrush' which is a relatively
common fungal infection of the mouth. Poor-fitting,
unstable dentures can also result in gum problems, injury
and more bone loss with prolonged use.
If you are wearing
dentures,
then here's what you should be doing AT LEAST twice a day (first thing
in the morning, last thing at night):
1.
Clean your dentures: take them out and
rinse
them under running water,
rubbing the loose debris off with your fingers. Then, using a
toothbrush and toothpaste, brush them well but gently (especially the
surface that lies in contact with your teeth and gums. Rinse
again.
2.
Clean your mouth: using
a soft toothbrush and
toothpaste, brush your remaining teeth like you normally do. Also brush
the gums and palate gently. Floss your teeth too if possible.
Rinse.
3.
Pop your denture back into your mouth or into a glass of plain
water: Dentures
should NEVER be left to dry under your pillow or in your
pocket! The plastic has a high water content and will deform if
allowed to dry out.
After Meals:
Your
dentures should also be
cleaned after each meal to remove food debris (rinse your mouth too).
Don't forget your regular visits to your dentist for check-ups
and maintenance to keep your mouth and false teeth in good condition. |
"My
denture keeps
falling out! What can I do?"
Dentures
tend to
get
loose with time as
the shape of the bone and gums change. The supporting
teeth may also have moved and the denture itself
may have become distorted. Firstly,
check with your
dentist to see if the denture needs to be adjusted or re-fitted.
The
wire clasps may need to be tightened or the bottom of the denture
re-covered with a fresh
coat of plastic.
The
next step is to visit your
local
drugstore
or pharmacy. There are numerous denture creams, powders and
adhesives which are supposed to improve the 'stickiness' of the
denture. Ask your dentist to recommend a brand and ask for advice
on how
to
use it. Some of those denture 'pads' are
not recommended as they make perfect homes for germs and fungus!
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