Ask the Denture Experts at Gillooly Denture Clinics
More than 3 million Canadians wear full or partial dentures, yet many of them are dissatisfied with a poor fit, unpleasant odours, mediocre aesthetics, and discolouration from staining.
Ill-fitting dentures can also affect the enjoyment of food. Eating less or alterations in the type of food consumed can influence digestion and overall general health. This combined with any existing medical conditions can cause unnecessary health complications.
Poorly designed dentures can lead to a variety of problems, including:
- Lack of socializing, resulting in poor emotional and psychological health
- Joint and jaw disorders caused by excessive tooth wear
- Premature ageing due to increased wrinkles around the mouth and cheeks
Enjoy Life to the Fullest with BPS ® Brand Dentures
Gillooly Denture Clinics is licensed to fit BPS ® dentures, a branded style of denture which fits the needs and aesthetic demands of today's patients, minimizing the negative effects of dentures.
Is It Time to Replace Your Dentures?
Do your teeth chatter and make noise when you eat or talk? If so, your dentures probably no longer fit properly due to changes in your gums. An improper fit can cause a change in bone structure, which causes your dentures to become ill fitting. This may cause excessive sore spots, tissue growth, and accelerated bone loss.
Here's a pointer: Look at yourself in the mirror from the front and from the side. Is the image you see really you? Do you notice new wrinkles around your mouth? Does your face look sunken? Are your dentures yellow or worn-out? This self-assessment is the first step in reaching a conclusion.
If you decide that the time has come to change your dentures, see your denturist for an examination and an evaluation of your oral health. Your dentures should be replaced once in every 5 to 7 years, and your gums should be examined every year.
Denture Discomfort
Do your dentures spend more time in a glass than in your mouth?
Denture discomfort can be caused by:
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Sore spots caused by dry mouth
- Bone chips (these can appear many years after the initial insertion)
- Tissue changes (we become more sensitive to pressure as we age)
- Poor oral hygiene
Here are a few tips from the Gillooly Denture Clinics to ease discomfort:
- Rinse your mouth with baking soda or salt dissolved in water
- Ask about having a soft liner put in your lower denture
- Leave the offending denture out as much as possible
- Brush your gums, palate, and tongue with a soft-bristle toothbrush after every meal and before going to sleep
A sore mouth, if untreated, could lead to complications. If the problem is recurring, make sure to visit your denturist.
Maintaining a Healthy Diet
Eating with new dentures takes a little practice, but maintaining a healthy diet is important for your oral health. While getting used to new dentures, keep these tips in mind:
- Start with soft foods cut into small pieces
- Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth
- As you get used to your new dentures, add other foods until you return to your normal healthy diet
- Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells
- Avoid foods that are extremely sticky or hard
- Don't use toothpicks while wearing dentures
As we age, we often don't get the nutrients we need, and the risk of having a poor diet is even higher in people who have ill-fitting dentures. A healthy diet depends on the proper maintenance of your dentures. Properly fitting dentures may actually encourage you to eat a varied and well-balanced diet that maximizes your overall health.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact Gillooly Denture Clinics.
