Are You Afraid to Go to the Dentist?

Dentures help you chew your food better, improve your appearance, and may even raise your self-esteem. While dentures last a long time, they may become too loose or too snug as a result of various factors. While you'll need to see your dentist if your oral appliances no longer fit well, there are things you can do at home to help ensure a proper denture fit. Here are some things that can alter the size and shape of your mouth that may lead to improper-fitting dental appliances, and what you can do about them.

Address Your Menopause Symptoms

If you are a menopausal woman, you may experience dry mouth, periodontal disease, and thinning bones. All of these menopausal-related effects can change the shape of your mouth and jawbone, resulting in ill-fitting dentures.

To overcome dry mouth, drink plenty of water and talk to your dentist about prescribing a moisture-replacing mouthwash. You should also monitor your gums for unusual redness, inflammation, bleeding, pain, or drainage.

These may be signs of periodontal disease, which may need to be evaluated by a periodontist. Once periodontal disease has been treated, your dentures may fit better. Finally, menopause-related low estrogen levels can cause thinning bones and decreased bone density, which may affect the health of your jawbone. Talk to your physician about hormone replacement therapy, which may help enhance the health of the bones inside your mouth.

Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that can cause severe bone pain and joint deformity. It can also cause loss of appetite and weight loss, which can make your dentures too loose. When this occurs, your appliances may slip around inside your mouth and causes irritation or sores on your gums.  

See your rheumatologist on a regular basis to make sure that your disease is well-managed so that you can maintain your appetite and weight, and so that bone and joint deformity doesn't progress. While rheumatoid arthritis often affects the joints in your hands, it can also affect your jawbone and the bones that support your teeth. If left to progress, your jawbone may substantially change shape which may prevent you from wearing your dentures comfortably. 

If you are in menopause or if you have rheumatoid arthritis, see your physician and dentist regularly. When your health conditions are well-managed, you may be less likely to have problems with your dental appliances, including as your partials and bridges.