Dentures and Saliva – What You Need to Know

If you wear dentures, saliva problems may be an issue that you have to deal with on a daily basis. Dentures and saliva have a complex relationship. Saliva helps to keep your mouth moist and aids in the digestion of food as well. Without enough saliva, it can be difficult to eat and talk properly. Additionally, dryness can make your denture fit less securely, which could cause discomfort and make it hard to wear them.

A frequent problem that denture wearers face is the overproduction of saliva. This occurs because putting something (in this case, Dentures) into your mouth signals to your body that it needs to produce more saliva. Have no fear, though – as your body becomes accustomed to the presence of the false teeth, the amount of spit produced will go back down to normal levels. Usually, this process only takes a few days. If you’re wanting to know more about dentures and saliva issues, continue reading below.

Understanding Dentures and Saliva

Excess saliva after wearing dentures for a few weeks could be indicative of an issue with the fit of your dentures. This is common because the nerves or glands in your mouth are being pressed on by Dentures, resulting in overproduction of saliva. Reasons for slimy saliva with dentures include:

Holding your jaw in a position that stimulates nerves from dentures being too tall
Uneven pressure that stimulates nerves due to dentures not fitting your bite
Dentures are too thick causing them to press against your cheek, tongue, and/or gums
Your dentures extend too far into the corners of your mouth, stimulating glands
Uncomfortable and painful dentures

Having your dentures properly fitted by a professional and realigned as soon as possible, if needed, will prevent your mouth from being overly salivated when wearing your dentures. If any of these things are noticeable after having your dentures created and fitted, it is important that you get in touch with your dental prosthetist as soon as possible.

Other Causes of Thick Saliva Under Dentures

Thick saliva can be a symptom of other health problems, not just those associated with dentures. For instance, an infection in the mouth due to tooth decay or gum disease could cause your saliva to become thicker. This is why it’s important that you take proper care of your teeth and gums even if you wear dentures.

It is also possible to have thick saliva under dentures due to specific medications you may be taking. If this is the case, then speak with your doctor about changing your medication or dosage. Finally, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms even when you’re not wearing your dentures, it could be indicative of other health issues – the best course of action here is to book an appointment with your doctor for further guidance and information.

Dentures and Saliva: What We’ve Learned

Saliva production is important for denture wearers and the general population alike. Excessive saliva can negatively impact your denture fit and cause discomfort when chewing and speaking. Thus, it is important to take the necessary steps to reduce this issue. This could be done by having your dentures properly fitted, treating any oral infections you have, and speaking with your doctor about medications that could be causing or worsening the problem.

With proper treatment and maintenance, saliva problems can become a thing of the past. Make sure you ask any and all questions before having dentures installed or check in with your dental prosthetist to ensure you’re understanding of any potential issues you need to be aware of.

Contact Denture Health Care Today!

Find your nearest Denture Health Care location today or give us a call on 1300 304 092 if you’re interested in speaking to an expert dental prosthetist. Alternatively, get in touch through our online form, or browse our denture clinic website for more of our denture services.

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