Dentures can help a person with missing teeth to eat and speak freely and to feel better about themselves overall. Dentures can also support the bones of the face and protect the gums from irritation. In most cases, a person wearing dentures will often forget that they have them in, and once they become accustomed to them, they may feel just like real teeth. 

However, there are some problems with dentures that a person should never overlook as these might mean that they need to be refitted or recast. You may also be using the wrong product for cleaning or wearing your dentures. Note some issues you should discuss with your dentist if you have dentures.

1. They continuously slip

When your dentures are first fit, you may need some practice in how to move your mouth when eating or speaking so that they don't slip. However, once you get past this initial phase of owning dentures, they shouldn't continually slip during any activity. In many cases, this means your dentures are not fitted properly, the shape of your face may have changed or you may have experienced some bone loss in the jaw so that the dentures are not right for you any longer. No matter the reason, you don't want to assume that this is a problem that you need to live with, and you should have your dentist check your dentures for needed changes.

Note too that you may lack saliva due to radiation treatment or other health conditions and concerns, and the adhesive you use for your dentures doesn't stick as well to dry skin. Your dentist who fit your dentures can recommend a different type of adhesive for your mouth in particular and, in turn, your dentures should stay in place.

2. You have bad breath

This is often a problem with your own care of the dentures; you may not realize that they need brushing and not just nightly soaking and may not be removing adhesive around your gums and caring for your mouth as you should. If you avoid cleaning your mouth because it's sensitive after wearing your dentures, you may need to switch to a different adhesive or your dentures may not be fitting properly and, in turn, may be irritating your gums.

This problem too is one to discuss with your dentist as he or she will examine your dentures and your gums and see if your hygiene and cleaning habits need improving. They may also note that food particles are sticking around the dentures and causing odor and may need to resize them or have you switch to a different, more protective adhesive.

If you are experiencing either of these problems, talk with a dentist, such as Alan Hunt, right away.