Dry mouth can be more than just an annoyance – especially if you wear dentures.
Saliva plays an important role in keeping your mouth comfortable, protecting your tissues, helping with chewing and swallowing, and even helping dentures stay in place. When saliva production drops, dentures can become less comfortable and more difficult to wear.
Here is what denture wearers should know about dry mouth.
What Causes Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, happens when your mouth does not produce enough saliva.
There are many possible causes, including:
- Certain medications
- Dehydration
- Diabetes and other medical conditions
- Sjögren’s syndrome and other autoimmune conditions
- Radiation treatment involving the head or neck
- Smoking or vaping
- Alcohol
- Mouth breathing
- Age-related changes and the increased use of medications as we get older
Medications are one of the most common causes. Drugs used for blood pressure, depression, anxiety, allergies, pain and many other conditions can reduce saliva production.
Why Is Saliva Important for Denture Wearers?
Saliva acts as a natural lubricant between your dentures and the tissues underneath them.
Without enough saliva, the mouth can become dry, sticky and irritated. This can make wearing dentures noticeably more difficult.
Dry Mouth Can Reduce Denture Retention
Saliva helps create the thin layer of moisture between a denture and the gums.
This is particularly important with complete upper dentures, where moisture helps contribute to the seal that keeps the denture in place.
When the mouth becomes very dry, dentures may feel:
- Looser
- Less stable
- More likely to move while eating or speaking
Dry Mouth Can Cause Sore Gums
Dentures naturally move slightly during chewing and speaking.
Normally, saliva helps reduce friction between the denture and the tissues underneath it. When the mouth is dry, that friction can increase.
This may lead to:
- Burning or irritated gums
- Tender areas
- Denture sores
- Increased discomfort while chewing
- Difficulty wearing dentures for long periods
If you suddenly start developing sore spots when your dentures were previously comfortable, dry mouth may be part of the problem.
Eating Can Become More Difficult
Saliva helps soften food and makes it easier to chew and swallow.
With dry mouth, foods may feel unusually dry or difficult to manage.
Some denture wearers may notice increased difficulty with foods such as:
- Bread
- Crackers
- Dry meats
- Rice
- Cookies
- Other dry or crumbly foods
Taking small sips of water while eating can often make these foods easier to manage.
Dry Mouth Can Increase Your Risk of Oral Problems
Saliva helps naturally clean the mouth and control bacteria.
When saliva production decreases, there can be an increased risk of:
- Bad breath
- Oral infections
- Fungal infections such as denture stomatitis
- Irritated tissues
- Tooth decay if natural teeth remain
For partial denture wearers, this is particularly important because the remaining natural teeth need to stay healthy to support the denture.
What Can You Do About Dry Mouth?
The best treatment depends on what is causing the dryness, but there are several things that may help.
Drink Water Regularly
Small, frequent sips of water throughout the day can help keep the mouth moist.
Keeping water nearby while eating can also make chewing and swallowing easier.
Limit Things That Can Make Dry Mouth Worse
Consider reducing:
- Alcohol
- Smoking and vaping
- Excessive caffeine
- Alcohol-based mouthwashes
These can contribute to dryness or irritation in some people.
Consider Dry Mouth Products
There are products designed specifically for people with dry mouth, including:
- Moisturizing mouth gels
- Dry mouth sprays
- Saliva substitutes
- Alcohol-free mouth rinses
These products do not necessarily fix the cause of dry mouth, but they may improve comfort.
Stimulate Saliva When Possible
If you still produce some saliva, sugar-free gum or sugar-free lozenges may help stimulate saliva production.
Products containing xylitol may also be useful for people who still have natural teeth because they do not promote tooth decay the way sugar does.
Keep Your Dentures Extremely Clean
Dry mouth can allow plaque, bacteria and yeast to build up more easily.
Dentures should be cleaned thoroughly every day using an appropriate denture cleaner and a denture brush.
Avoid using regular abrasive toothpaste on dentures, as it can scratch the surface and make plaque accumulation easier.
It is also important to clean your gums, tongue and any remaining natural teeth every day.
Denture Adhesive May Help – But It Is Not Always the Solution
Some people with dry mouth find that denture adhesive improves stability.
However, if your dentures suddenly require significantly more adhesive than they used to, the problem may not simply be dry mouth.
Your dentures may also:
- No longer fit properly
- Need a reline
- Have worn teeth
- Be reaching the end of their useful lifespan
Using increasing amounts of adhesive should not replace having the denture fit evaluated.
Your Medications May Be Contributing
If dry mouth began after starting a new medication or changing your dosage, speak with your physician or pharmacist.
Do not stop taking a prescribed medication on your own.
In some situations, a different medication, dosage adjustment or additional treatment may help reduce the symptoms of dry mouth.
When Should You See Your Denturist?
Consider having your dentures assessed if you are experiencing:
- New or recurring sore spots
- Burning underneath your dentures
- Difficulty keeping your dentures in place
- Significant changes in denture fit
- Persistent dry mouth
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Cracks or irritation around the corners of your mouth
Sometimes the solution may be as simple as adjusting the denture. In other cases, a reline or replacement denture may improve comfort and stability.
Your denturist can also help determine whether the issue appears to be related to the denture itself or whether you should speak with your dentist, physician or pharmacist about the underlying dry mouth.
The Bottom Line
Saliva is more important to denture wearers than many people realize.
It helps lubricate the mouth, protect the tissues, make eating easier and contribute to denture retention. When saliva production decreases, dentures may feel less stable and the tissues underneath them can become irritated more easily.
If dry mouth is making your dentures uncomfortable, do not assume you simply have to live with it. Identifying the cause, managing the dryness and making sure your dentures fit properly can make a significant difference in comfort and function.
If you are experiencing problems with your dentures or are unsure whether they still fit properly, contact Bonnie Doon Denture Clinic to have them assessed.