3 Signs Of Gum Disease For Denture Wearers

If you've had all your teeth extracted and now wear conventional full dentures, then you don't need the same type of checkups as you did in the past. After all, you don't have any natural teeth to give you problems. However, wearing dentures doesn't mean that you won't have problems in other areas of your mouth. For example, you can still get gum disease. What are the signs that you might have gum problems?

1. Your Gums Are Sore

When you first start wearing removable full dentures, your gums naturally feel a little sore. They need time to get used to wearing your false teeth. However, this soreness should recede over time. If you've been wearing dentures for a while and have gotten over your initial soreness, then your gums should feel OK. However, if they hurt and feel inflamed, then you might have a gum problem. Gum disease, even in its early stages, can make gums sore and swollen. They might bleed when you clean them.

2. You Have Persistent Bad Breath

Gum problems are often caused by bacterial infections. If bacteria gets on and in your soft tissues, then it stays there. It gives off nasty odors. So, for example, you might be conscious that your breath smells bad most of the time. You might also have a constant nasty taste in your mouth. While your bad breath might disappear for a while after you clean your dentures and gums, it will come back pretty fast if you have underlying gum problems. Regular mouthwashes and bad breath treatments won't work.

3. Your Denture Fit Has Changed

Many denture wearers with gum disease find that their dentures feel tight and uncomfortable. In this case, you are trying to put dentures into place around swollen tissues. This inflammation affects your denture fit. However, sometimes, gum disease can make dentures feel loose and wobbly. Your dentures might not feel stable. You might not be able to eat or even talk naturally because you worry that your dentures will come loose. While this can happen as your dentures get older, it can also be a sign of more serious gum disease problems. Left untreated, gum disease can make tissues recede and bone lose some of its density. When this happens, your dentures lose some fit.

Given the ongoing risk of gum problems, denture wearers should continue to see their dentists even though they have lost all their natural teeth. Your dentist can check the health of your gums and mouth and ensure that you are cleaning your dentures correctly to avoid gum problems.

Contact a local dentist to learn more.