Dental care plays an important role in the overall health of an individual, but as we grow older – teeth weaken, suffer decay, and in many cases, are removed or fall out. When teeth go missing, dentures act as a solution! These dentures are meant for your well-being but may at times cause a number of problems. Here I am with the solutions to common denture problems:
GUM AND TEETH PAIN/DISCOMFORT
Unfortunately, as helpful as dentures can be, they also cause people a great deal of pain and discomfort, especially during the first few months of use. Here are few home remedies to ease the pain and discomfort:
Salt: Every morning, rub your gums with a bit of salt for a few moments. Rinse your mouth with warm water, and then put your dentures in. You can also add one teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and rinse with this solution twice each day. This can help tremendously with swollen gums or painful gums.
Turmeric: To get pain relief using turmeric, make a paste using a quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder and a few drops of water. Rub this paste on your gums and allow it to sit there for three to five minutes. Gently massage this paste into the gums, and then rinse your mouth with lukewarm water. Do this twice each day for maximum pain relief.
Figs: Cut a fresh fig in half. Put the inner portion of the fig next to the sore spot on your gums or cheek. You need to keep the inner part of the fig touching the sore for 5 or 10 minutes. You can hold it in place with your finger to be sure it doesn’t move. Remove the fig, and then rinse your mouth with warm water. Repeat twice each day using a new piece of fig each time
INFECTION (STOMATITIS)
Stomatitis can be described as an inflammation that affects the mucus membranes of a person’s mouth. This affliction is characterized by the formation of blisters and lesions on the oral cavity. Fortunately, it is possible to treat this condition, using various methods. Apart from proper dental hygiene and the use of simple home remedies to treat this condition, people are also advised to follow a healthy diet. Here are few remedies you could follow:
- Taking one tablespoon of lemon juice before each meal
- Gargling a few times in the day, using a solution made from lemon juice & water
- Using a mild mouthwash, with a teaspoon of salt and baking soda each
LOOSE FITTING DENTURE
There are many potential causes for looseness of a lower denture. The primary cause is the anatomy of the lower jaw. Unlike the upper jaw, the lower jaw does not allow for a easily obtained 360 degree seal of denture borders. The denture must allow space for the tongue and the up and down movement of the floor of the mouth. The lower denture must also be fabricated to resist dislodgement by the cheek side gums, called vestibule. Here are few solutions to these problems:
Perform hard reline of denture: A reline will readapt your denture base to your current ridge anatomy. This can usually be done in a day or two and most times you must go without your denture while the dentist has the reline of your denture completed by a dental lab.
Remaking: When a reline is inadequate, a new denture must be fabricated to get the best results. This process can be done in two to five visits under normal conditions. A normal denture should last about 7 years.
ACHING MOUTH
Dentures can certainly cause your mouth to ache and this is experienced by almost everyone in the initial days. Once you get used to the dentures, you won’t feel any mouthache but in the meantime, this easy remedy should make you feel comfortable:
Remedy: The clove has been used as a remedy for aching mouths since antiquity. To tap into these healing properties, blend 1 teaspoon cloves into a powder using a coffee grinder or use 1/2 teaspoon prepackaged ground cloves. Moisten with olive oil and dab around a mouth or gum sore.
IMPORTANT TIPS:
- Excess bacteria buildup on dentures can retard the gum’s healing process. Plain old soap, warm water, and a hand brush do a grand job at cleaning. Scrub at least twice a day and rinse well.
- Give your mouth a rest. Always remove your false teeth at night. You may also want to remove dentures for 24 hours, should you develop a red spot on the gums.
- Replace dentures every five to six years, depending on the amount of wear and tear and the shrinkage of the gums.