Dental Blog

Do Dentures Cause Dry Mouth?

Our Milton dentist has the facts.

Dry mouth, alternatively referred to as xerostomia, is a condition caused by a lack of saliva production in the mouth. This can be a rather uncomfortable condition to have - as we all require adequate saliva to be present in our mouths in order to support a healthy oral environment.

Check out these four common flossing mistakes that many people are guilty of:

Unfortunately, many denture wearers do experience dry mouth.

A dry mouth condition often compromises the denture-wearing experience through causing issues like loose dentures, sores, irritations and potential infections.

Denture wearers need adequate saliva to provide a suction between the denture and mouth tissues, as well as provide lubrication and prevent the irritable rubbing of the dentures on the gums. Saliva also promotes easier swallowing, prevents food from sticking more to the denture, and also prevents accelerated bacterial growth or fungal infections related to a dry mouth condition.

But, with that being said, dentures do not cause dry mouth.

The good news is, dentures are not going to be the cause of a dry mouth problem. The real potential contributors to xerostomia include certain medications, certain illnesses, smoking, mouth breathing, cancer treatment, nerve damage, poor oral hygiene/diet, and aging.

Classic symptoms of dry mouth

Those who suffer from dry mouth also tend to experience several associated symptoms. This includes a dry and/or raw feeling in the mouth, general mouth soreness, insatiable thirst, bad breath, mouth redness and/or inflammation, a sore throat, difficulty speaking or swallowing, cracking at the mouth’s corners, a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease/bleeding gums, a decreased ability to taste food, and a tongue that looks white or pebbled.

Relief from dry mouth is possible

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help alleviate the discomfort of a dry mouth condition.

Try to stay well-hydrated throughout the day with water or other sugar-free fluids, or chew sugar-free gum regularly in order to stimulate saliva production. Also, try your best to avoid drinks that are known to dry out the mouth, including coffee and alcoholic beverages. It will also help to limit the amount of dry foods you consume.

Additionally, you should ideally be avoiding tobacco products/ smoking, or any recreational drug use. Breathing through the mouth should also be avoided, as mouth breathing plays a significant role in creating a dry mouth environment. You can also use a specially formulated mouthwash or product designed to keep the mouth moist and lubricated.

Furthermore, if you happen to be using a medication known to contribute to dry mouth, speak with your doctor to see if there is an alternative medication you can switch to that will not cause this side effect.

Considering getting dentures in Milton?

Our wonderful Dr. Loukas Papas can help you with that!

Contact our team at Southview Dental today and schedule a visit to learn about whether dentures are right for you or your loved one.

Dry mouth while wearing dentures

R E C E N T   P O S T S

In Need of Dental Care in Milton?

At Southview Dental, we understand how much of an impact your oral health has on your entire body. Your smile should be healthy, functional, and one you're proud to show off! That’s why our dental team offers a wide variety of quality dental treatments to patients of all ages. So whatever your unique dental needs are for your one-of-a-kind smile, we’ve got you covered. Has it been over six months since you’ve last had a professional look after your smile? Our Milton dentist and team would love to see you for a check-up and cleaning! Contact us today to book an appointment.

Contact