Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, you should see your dentist regularly for an oral examination. The dentist will examine your mouth to check for any problem with the gum ridges, the tongue and the joints of the jaw, as well as screen for oral cancer. For a variety of reasons, many older adults are more susceptible to oral diseases, including oral cancer. About 95 percent of all cancers are found in people over age 40. However, many of these cancers are treatable if detected early. Oral tissues are also checked for signs of other diseases that can first manifest themselves in the mouth.
My dentures don’t feel as comfortable as they once did. Before I see the dentist, should I try some different products myself to try to improve them?
Your dentures were made to fit precisely. If they are cared for properly, they do not change shape. They can become loose due to natural changes in the gums and bone supporting them. As the jawbone begins to shrink, so do the gums. When your dentures do not fit properly, see your dentist as soon as possible so adjustments can be made. Relining of your loosening denture is a simple procedure to improve this problem. Your dentist can tell you if you need relining of the dentures by checking the retention and movement in the mouth. Even the dentist cannot tell when you need relining because the shrinkage will be different individually. Please do regular check ups and have relining if you need it. Ill-fitting dentures cause more shrinkage of the jawbone by irritating the tissue during chewing. Do not try to change the fit of your dentures yourself. This can damage them and make them not repairable. This could be a costly experiment! Ill-fitting dentures repaired at home can irritate the gums, tongue and cheeks. In emergencies, denture adhesives can be used to keep the dentures stable until you see the dentist. If your denture is loose, have your dentist check it. We don’t recommend using denture adhesives as a long-term solution because it causes many problems. It is better to have nice-fitting dentures without denture adhesives to keep clean and healthy.
CinemaDentalCare offers a $25 new patient exam with panoramic x-rays. Please call Dr. Jangsook Kim at 661-253-3030 if you have any questions regarding dentures.