6 Practical Tips to Get Rid of Dry Mouth with Dentures

A dry mouth is a common problem faced by many people with dentures. It can be an uncomfortable and even painful experience, but there are ways to get rid of it.

This article will explore how to get rid of a dry mouth with dentures.

Dry Mouth with Dentures

A dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition that occurs when there is a lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining oral health.

Saliva helps to keep the mouth moist, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria, and aids in the digestion of food. Without enough saliva, the mouth can become dry and uncomfortable.

Dentures can exacerbate dry mouth because they can cause a reduction in the amount of saliva produced. This can be due to several factors, such as the material the dentures are made from, poor fit, or the dentures covering the palate, which can inhibit the saliva flow.

Tips for Getting Rid of Dry Mouth with Dentures

If you wear dentures, you may experience dry mouth. A dry mouth can cause discomfort and even lead to oral health problems. Fortunately, several tips and tricks can help you alleviate this condition.

Stay Hydrated

One of the simplest ways to combat dry mouth with dentures is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help to keep the mouth moist and reduce discomfort. It is important to avoid sugary or acidic drinks, as these can exacerbate dry mouth.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for reducing dry mouth with dentures. Brushing your teeth and dentures twice daily with fluoride toothpaste can help remove bacteria and food particles from your mouth. It is also essential to floss daily and uses an antimicrobial mouthwash to help keep your mouth clean and fresh.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum can help to stimulate saliva production and reduce dry mouth. It is important to choose sugar-free gum, as sugar can contribute to dental decay.

Use a Saliva Substitute

Saliva substitutes are products designed to mimic natural saliva’s properties. They can help moisten the mouth and reduce discomfort associated with dry mouth. Saliva substitutes come in various forms, including sprays, gels, and tablets.

Adjust Your Dentures

If your dentures are causing dry mouth, it may be necessary to have them adjusted. A poorly fitting denture can cause irritation and inflammation, which can reduce saliva production. Your dentist can adjust your dentures to improve their fitness and reduce discomfort.

Avoid Certain Medications

Some medications can contribute to dry mouth. If you are experiencing dry mouth with dentures, speaking to your doctor about any medicines you take is essential. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.

Final Thoughts

A dry mouth with dentures can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, but there are ways to get rid of it. You can reduce dry mouth and improve your oral health by staying hydrated, practicing good oral hygiene, using a saliva substitute, adjusting your dentures, and avoiding certain medications.

If you are experiencing persistent dry mouth, you must speak to your dentist or doctor to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you wear dentures, you may have questions about getting rid of dry mouth. Here are helpful answers and insights to help you address this common issue.

What causes dry mouth?

A dry mouth can be caused by a reduction in saliva production, which can be due to a number of factors, such as the material the dentures are made from, poor fit, or the dentures covering the palate.

What can I do to reduce dry mouth?

Staying hydrated, practicing good oral hygiene, chewing sugar-free gum, using a saliva substitute, adjusting your dentures, and avoiding certain medications are several things you can do to reduce dry mouth.

Can adjusting my dentures help to reduce dry mouth?

Yes, if your dentures are causing dry mouth, it may be necessary to adjust them. A poorly fitting denture can cause irritation and inflammation, which can reduce saliva production.

Are there any medications that can help with dry mouth?

Some medications can help stimulate saliva production and reduce dry mouth. Your dentist or doctor can prescribe these medications if appropriate.

Can drinking more water help with dry mouth?

Yes, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help to keep the mouth moist and reduce discomfort associated with a dry mouth.

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