Wearing dentures is the most common solution for people who have lost several or all of their teeth.
Denture wearers can experience an oral infection for a number of reasons, but there are two common ones. First, not every individual is diligent about cleaning the appliances as instructed, which can lead to an excessive buildup of bacteria and fungi. Second, denture wearers sometimes fail to remove their devices for a sufficient period every day to give the gum tissue time to rest. This can lead to irritation and infection.
About Oral Thrush
In the mouth, a small amount of the fungus, Candida albicans, is normal. However, If it blooms to excess, the fungus can cause white lesions that may feel sore (and look real ugly). This yeast infection is known as oral thrush (not to be confused with Orange Crush).
An incident of Candida overgrowth is somewhat common in people wearing dentures — but with changes in behavior, these people can prevent future occurrences.
Resolving An Infection
Antifungal mouthwashes may eliminate the overgrowth. Acidophilus tablets and drinks supply probiotics to optimize levels of friendly microorganisms and heal the infection. Eating yogurt is another way of obtaining probiotics.
If these methods don’t work, the person may need an appointment with us. We’ll want to inspect the fit of the artificial teeth to make sure they are not causing too much friction or irritation. We might prescribe clinical-strength oral antifungal medication to help get things under control.
Following Guidelines
It’s important to build discipline in taking care of your biting machines. Clean your dentures daily according to instructions. Ideally, the false teeth should be kept in a soaking solution for a few hours or more each day, then brushed with a soft-bristle toothbrush and special cleanser.
Since denture wearers must keep artificial teeth out of the mouth for part of the day, many choose Sleepy Time for this to happen. This gives the gum tissue time to rest. Otherwise, gums are more vulnerable to soreness and infection.
Managing Risk Factors
Some people are at greater risk of oral thrush due to…
Chronic Mouth Dryness
Lack of sufficient saliva, can be caused by various health disorders and medications. Routinely breathing through the mouth could also cause dry mouth.
It’s important to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. What is more, chewing gum stimulates saliva production — we recommend sugar-free versions. Saliva substitutes also are sold without a prescription in pharmacies. If this is not sufficient, clinical-strength substitutes and stimulants can be prescribed by doctors and dentists.
Smoking
Smoking tobacco a potential cause of oral thrush. Although quitting may be difficult, especially when someone has been doing so for years, breaking the habit is a good idea for many reasons. In fact, oral thrush is a minor problem compared with the heightened risks of severe heart disease, respiratory disease and cancer.
Have Orange Crush, Not Oral Thrush!
Over-the-counter products and changes in behavior should resolve an incidence of oral thrush. If these measures are ineffective at healing the infection or preventing another one, see us. You may benefit from prescription products, or the dentures might need to be adjusted for a better fit.
If you experience any symptoms of oral thrush, please contact us as soon as possible. We can help you get rid of it! Then, have a icy cold Orange Crush — just rinse afterward — all that sugar, you know… 🙂