Dentures and dry mouth

Saliva is more important than we might think, it plays a crucial role in supporting the health of our mouth. Saliva regulates the ‘germs’ (micro-organisms) that can cause oral infections and it is our saliva that makes speaking, chewing and swallowing more comfortable.

Dry mouth, (known medically as xerostomia), is a symptom in which the reduction of saliva can leave your mouth feeling dry and uncomfortable. It occurs mostly as a side-effect of medications; some cancer treatments and some diseases may also cause you to produce less saliva. Many people may not perceive they have dry mouth, but for denture wearers this symptom can be quite noticeable – as a dry mouth does affect denture fit.

Saliva helps dentures to fit properly onto the gums and it is actually your saliva that helps the denture to stay in place (similar to the way a suction cup works) - this is referred to as ‘retention’. When your mouth is dry, the denture can feel loose and uncomfortable and – even with a perfectly fitting denture – you may still experience some discomfort or ‘looseness’ due to the lack of saliva to help hold the denture in place. Additionally, without the saliva to provide lubrication between your gums and the denture, the increased friction may lead to sore spots from the denture rubbing against the gums. Always consult your dental practitioner if you have concerns about dry mouth impacting your denture fit.

If you wear a partial denture and have remaining natural teeth, tooth decay is a risk associated with dry mouth. If you have dry mouth symptoms, the Australian Dental Association advises you visit your dentist more frequently so that any problems can be identified and managed early.

In addition to staying well hydrated, there are ‘artificial saliva’ products that some people find make their mouth feel more comfortable. Some are in the form of a gel, mouthwash, mouth sprays and even toothpaste (you may have seen brands such as Oral7 and Biotene in the pharmacy or supermarket). A small amount can be applied to coat the gum surface before placing the denture in your mouth. If you are affected by dry mouth, talk to your health care provider about your concerns.

Source: ADA