If you’re a new denture wearer or even if you’ve had dentures for a while, you might notice some changes in your saliva production. It’s a common experience, and understanding the relationship between dentures and saliva is key to your comfort and oral health. At Christina Brinda in North Canton, we believe in providing our patients with complete information.  Find a dentist who specializes in dentures near you just like Dr. Christina Brinda in Jackson Township, Ohio. With this blog, Dr. Christina Brinda will explain how dentures can affect your saliva and what you can do about it.

How Dentures Can Affect Saliva Production

Your body’s salivary glands are highly responsive. Therefore the introduction of a foreign object like a denture can trigger various reactions. Below we have classified some of these reactions that we consider more prevalent.

Increased Saliva (Initial Stage)

When you first get new dentures, your mouth might perceive them as food or an irritant. This can lead to your salivary glands going into overdrive.  The salivary glands will then producing more saliva than usual. While this can feel awkward it is a completely normal response and usually subsides as your mouth adapts to the dentures.

Decreased Saliva (Dry Mouth)

Conversely, some people experience a reduction in saliva flow which leads to a dry mouth. This can be caused by various factors:

  • certain medications
  • medical conditions
  • simply not drinking enough water.

A dry mouth can make dentures feel uncomfortable, cause them to slip and increase the risk of oral irritation and infections.

Changes in Saliva Quality

Sometimes, it is not just the quantity but the quality of saliva that changes. Saliva helps naturally cleanse your mouth. However, if saliva is thicker and less effective, it can impact denture retention and oral hygiene.

Why Saliva is So Important for Denture Wearers

Saliva plays a crucial role in oral health and denture comfort. Below we will explore some ways saliva helps with your denture to feel normal.

Natural Adhesion: Saliva helps create a natural seal between your dentures and your gums.  This natural seal aids with retention and stability.
Lubrication: Saliva, lubricates your mouth making your dentures feel more comfortable.  Saliva also reduces friction against your gums.
Cleaning: Saliva naturally washes away food particles and bacteria which helps to keep your mouth and dentures clean.
Taste and Digestion: Saliva is essential for taste perception and the initial stages of food digestion.

Tips for Managing Saliva Changes

If you’re experiencing issues with saliva production due to your dentures, below you will find some tips from your dentist for dentures.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This is the simplest and most effective way to combat dry mouth.
Practice Good Denture Hygiene: Regularly cleaning your dentures and your mouth helps prevent bad breath and the sticky feeling associated with dry mouth.
Chew Sugar Free Gum or Mints: These can stimulate saliva production if you’re experiencing a dry mouth. Be sure that the gum or mints you use are sugar-free to protect any remaining natural teeth.
Use Saliva Substitutes: Over the counter artificial saliva products or oral rinses can provide relief for chronic dry mouth.
Avoid Irritants: Limit caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, as these can contribute to dry mouth.

Dentist Near Greentown Ohio

Consult Your North Canton Denture Specialist

If you’re struggling with excessive saliva, persistent dry mouth, or any discomfort related to your dentures and saliva, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. At Christina Brinda DDS, we are a dentist who specialize in dentures and are here to help you find solutions for optimal comfort and oral health. We’re here to ensure your denture experience is as comfortable and healthy as possible.

📞 Call our North Canton office today at (330) 498-0668 to schedule an appointment.