While dentures themselves do not cause dry mouth, some people find themselves bereft of saliva when wearing dentures. This can be as a result of breathing through the mouth, not drinking enough water, and being of an age in which saliva is produced less. It can produce some unwanted side effects, such as bad breath and soreness, and so it is best to try and avoid dry mouth where you can.
Techniques to Tackle Dry Mouth
There are several ways to resolve dryness in the mouth, many of which are small habit changes, in order to better accommodate dentures into your lifestyle. Firstly, caffeine, tobacco and alcohol can all increase dryness in the mouth. When there is a lack of saliva between the denture plate and the roof of the mouth, it creates less suction, and can cause rubbing. This makes avoiding caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol products one of your best options, or trying and reduce your intake of them can also decrease symptoms significantly.
Another practical idea for tackling dry mouth is to drink water throughout the day. This will lubricate the dentures, and the areas of your mouth in contact with them, ensuring no rubbing, and decreasing the sensation of being parched. Furthermore, sucking on a sugar-free sweet, or chewing on sugar-free gum, can induce the production of saliva, and naturally lubricate the mouth. Using sugary drinks, gum or sweets to prevent dry mouth can be seriously damaging to your teeth and we do not advise their constant use.
If you are having persistent dry mouth, and are unsure what could be causing it, contact us and we can have a look. Diet, breathing habits, medication and illnesses can all cause dry mouth while wearing dentures, so it could be something unrelated to your dentures that is causing the issue.
Contact Our Offices
Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334
