The dentures made today are much better than the type people wore decades ago, but they can still feel uncomfortable for many people. If you are having trouble with the way your dentures fit or feel, your dentist might ask you if you suffer from dry mouth. If you do, this could be the reason you are experiencing problems with your dentures. Here are three things you should understand about dry mouth and the effects it has on dentures.

What Is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is a condition that causes extreme dryness in a person's mouth. It is caused by a lack of saliva formation in the mouth, and it can lead to a number of different problems. In order to treat dry mouth effectively, a person must find out what is causing it. It can commonly be caused from certain medications, but it can also be a result of health issues.

If you suffer from dry mouth, you can try drinking more fluids to keep your mouth moist, and you can also try sucking on hard candies. This too can help your saliva glands produce more saliva.

What Problems Does Dry Mouth Cause With Dentures?

Dry mouth is a condition that can make it hard for you to talk and eat, and it can also lead to bad breath. When you wear dentures, it can lead to a variety of other problems too, including:

• Trouble keeping dentures in – Your saliva actually aids in helping your dentures stay in place. When there is not enough saliva present, it can make it difficult for your dentures to remain in place.
• Pain and discomfort with your gums – If your dentures do not stay in place like they should, they can end up rubbing against your gums. This can lead to pain and discomfort, and it could also lead to sores developing in your mouth.
• Infections can form – In addition, saliva is necessary for keeping your mouth clean. It rinses your gums and teeth and helps keep plaque, debris, and bacteria out of your mouth. When there is not enough saliva in your mouth, you might be prone to developing infections in your mouth.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms from dry mouth, you might decide to not wear your dentures for a while. You may hope the symptoms clear up so you can once again wear your dentures, but they may not clear up until you treat the cause of the dry mouth.

While taking your dentures out may seem logical, doing this for too long can cause additional problems. If you leave your dentures out of your mouth, your mouth might change. When changes occur with the tissue and gums in your mouth, your dentures are not likely to fit properly when you finally place them back in your mouth.

How Do Dentists Solve These Problems?

If you have dry mouth and are having problems with your dentures, your dentist may first recommend treating the dry mouth. To get treatment for your dry mouth, you will have to go to the doctor.

As soon as you have treated and fixed the symptoms of your dry mouth condition, your dentist can make any adjustments to your dentures that are needed. By doing this, your dentures will fit properly and will feel comfortable for you to wear.

Having dentures that look and feel natural is important, but dry mouth can prevent this from happening. If you would like to get help for your dry mouth or uncomfortable dentures, make an appointment with a dentist that offers denture repair services.