Toothaches: Cause, Remedies and Long-term Solutions

Posted on: 15 January 2016

Having a new set of dentures fitted can be a tremendous help when it comes to being able to speak and eat properly, and they can also be a big boost to your self-esteem. However, a procedure with such far-reaching ramifications is doomed to have a few side effects, and one strange sensation a lot of new denture wearers experience is excessive salivation.

Why are my dentures causing me to salivate excessively?

There are a number of reasons that a new set of dentures can cause you to salivate uncontrollably, but the good news is that they are nothing to worry about and your saliva production levels should return to normal within the space of a few weeks. These reasons can include:

• Natural responses - As far as the body of a new denture wearer is concerned, the new false teeth lodged in its mouth is a foreign object and should either be consumed or spat out. As such, the mouth creates more saliva to facilitate either response. This autonomic response will go away in time as your body becomes accustomed to the presence of dentures.
• Improper fit - If your dentures do not fit snugly against the gum line, or hold your mouth in an unnatural position, they may be stimulating saliva production. Dentures that are too tall and hold the jaw open or that extend too far into the corners of the mouth are common culprits.
• Gum recession - Dentures cause a certain amount of gum recession as a matter of course, but if you have fragile gums, or a pre-existing condition such as diabetes that weakens the integrity of your gum tissue, small patches of gum may recede quickly in the presence of new dentures, breaking the seal around the gums and potentially causing excess salivation.
• Denture overuse - Saliva may also be produced as a response to fatigue of the gum tissues, a problem often encountered by new denture wearers who wear their dentures for long periods before their gums have had time to get used to them.

How can excessive salivation be avoided?

There are a number of ways you can tackle this messy and embarrassing problem, depending on what is causing the salivation:

• Denture refitting - If you suspect that improperly fitted dentures, either as a result of manufacturing error or gum recession, is causing your salivation, you should schedule a denture inspection and adjustment with your dentist or denture clinic as soon as possible. Make sure to report any redness, pain or swelling accompanying the salivation, as this may signify where the dentures are not fitted properly and may also require medical attention.
• Rest - It's important that all denture wearers spend adequate amounts of time without their dentures fitted, but this is even more important for new denture wearers. Make sure your dentures are out of your mouth for at least six hours a day, and never sleep with your dentures fitted.
• Sweets and lozenges - It may sound like a feeble excuse to eat more sweets, but sucking on a hard sweet or throat lozenge stimulates the throat's swallowing response. This allows you to swallow much more saliva.
• Patience - Lastly, it's important to remember that an increase of saliva production is a natural response for many new denture wearers, and that it isn't anything to worry about unless it persists for several months or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or irritation. Have patience, keep your dentures in good condition, and they will feel like a natural part of your mouth in no time.

For more information or assistance, talk with local denture clinics, such as Sydney Denture Clinic, and make any necessary appointments.