Dry Mouth and Dentures: Why Does Xerostomia Make it Hard to Wear Dentures and What Can You Do About It?

If you wear dentures and struggle with dry mouth, you know the frustrations all too well: shifting and clicking, sore spots from friction, and constant gum irritation. But you’re not alone; more than 50% of the 65+ population wear dentures, and the risk of dry mouth increases with age. 

Research shows that dry mouth is one of the most important factors in denture satisfaction. If dry mouth is causing too much denture discomfort, you may think you have to live with the pain or give up dentures altogether.  

But that’s not the case. Yes, dry mouth may make it harder to wear dentures, but there are many treatments that can keep dry mouth symptoms at bay. Intraoral electrostimulation via the SaliPen, medication, and artificial saliva have all been clinically shown to treat dry mouth symptoms. 

Understanding the connection between dry mouth and denture difficulties is the first step toward better management. In this blog post, we’ll explore xerostomia symptoms and causes, its impact on dentures, and practical ways to decrease discomfort and improve your quality of life. 

Understanding Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is more than just feeling thirsty; it’s a chronic condition where the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. This results in a slew of uncomfortable oral health symptoms that can detract from daily activities like eating and talking. 

Dry mouth symptoms vary in their type and severity; not everyone experiences the condition in the same way. Some commonly reported dry mouth symptoms are:

• Constant dryness of the mouth
• Sore or hoarse throat
• Frequent thirst
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, and speaking
• Bad breath
• Cracked/burning lips and tongue
• Mouth sores and oral infections 
• Altered taste or lack of taste

Dry mouth isn’t a disease itself, but the outcome of underlying issues. The most common cause is medication; hundreds of prescription medications can interfere with nerve signals to the salivary glands, causing a decrease in saliva production. Other common dry mouth causes include Sjögren’s syndrome, diabetes, radiation therapy to the head and neck, and injury.

What doesn’t cause dry mouth? Wearing dentures. Denture-wearing doesn’t affect the production of saliva; it’s the other way around. The production of saliva (or lack thereof) makes it difficult to wear dentures, turning an everyday function into a daily struggle.

Why Dry Mouth Makes it Hard to Wear Dentures 

Saliva is crucial for oral health; when there isn’t enough of it, the risk of cavities, gum disease, and oral infections goes up. It also becomes more difficult to wear dentures. 

Saliva acts as a natural adhesive between the denture base and oral tissue, sealing the dentures in place through suction. Not only does saliva act as an adhesive, but it also lubricates the space where the dentures and oral tissue meet, reducing friction during chewing and speaking and preventing chafing, sores, and inflammation. Saliva also neutralizes acids and helps clear food debris, creating a healthier oral environment for dentures.

Without sufficient saliva, there is reduced suction and no seal, which can cause dentures to slip or dislodge. It can also lead to increased friction, which can be very uncomfortable or even painful. 

Treatment Options for Dry Mouth

There is no cure for dry mouth, but sometimes, treating the underlying issue can reverse the problem. For example, someone taking medication that causes dry mouth can try changing that medication. Someone who has a thyroid issue causing salivary gland dysfunction can treat the thyroid condition, and the salivary glands may regain proper functioning. 

But in other cases, the underlying issue can’t be treated. Many xerostomia-inducing medications are necessary and can’t be given up. In the case of head and neck cancer, radiation and chemotherapy are crucial treatments; even if they disrupt the salivary glands, patients can’t stop.

Because the root cause can’t always be treated, there are several dry mouth treatment options that offer relief from different avenues. Here are three common ones:

• Intraoral electrostimulation: Drug-free and FDA-approved, the SaliPen is a handheld device that delivers gentle, targeted electrical impulses to stimulate the salivary glands. Users report increased saliva, less oral discomfort, and no side effects. 
• Medications: Prescription sialogogues like pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Evoxac) increase saliva production by stimulating the salivary glands. These medications are effective but come with side effects such as excessive sweating, nausea, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Saliva substitutes: Prescription or OTC products like sprays, gels, rinses, and lozenges don’t activate the salivary glands, but they treat dry mouth symptoms, providing temporary lubrication and moisture to reduce discomfort.

As dry mouth can result from many causes (autoimmune disease, cancer, thyroid disorders, and more), many types of medical professionals are familiar with its treatments. However, for denture wearers, it’s best to consult with a dentist or oral health specialist, as they are most familiar with the challenges of wearing dentures. 

Easing Dry Mouth Symptoms for Denture Wearers

To minimize dry mouth symptoms and their impact on oral health and quality of life, you can implement the following lifestyle habits:

• Drink a lot of water: Not only does water help ease the discomfort of dry mouth, but it provides the basic raw material for saliva creation. Treatment to stimulate the salivary glands won’t work as well if there isn’t enough fluid in the body for the salivary glands to draw from.
• Stimulate saliva naturally: Xylitol gum and lozenges have been clinically shown to increase saliva flow.  
• Avoid aggravators: Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and sugar, all of which can exacerbate dry mouth symptoms. 
• Practice excellent oral and denture hygiene: Brush and floss twice a day and use alcohol-free mouth wash for optimal oral hygiene. Clean your dentures daily, soak overnight, and brush your gums and tongue gently with a soft brush. Wet dentures before insertion for a better initial seal. Schedule regular dental visits for checkups and denture adjustments.
• Create a healthy sleeping environment: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and combat dry mouth at night. Practice nose breathing (as opposed to mouth breathing) to lock moisture in your mouth.

While these habits aren’t a miracle cure for dry mouth, they often yield noticeable improvements in denture stability and overall comfort.

Living with Dry Mouth and Dentures

Dry mouth doesn’t mean resigning yourself to daily discomfort or foregoing dentures altogether. By understanding how dry mouth affects your denture-wearing, you can craft a comprehensive treatment plan with your dentist or oral health specialist and implement denture-friendly daily habits. Relief is possible, when you know where to look.

FAQs

Do dentures cause dry mouth? 

No, dentures don’t cause dry mouth, but the condition can make wearing them much harder by reducing natural lubrication and suction.

Is the SaliPen safe for everyone with dry mouth? 

The SaliPen is generally safe and non-invasive, with studies showing minimal side effects. However, it’s always best to consult a medical professional before starting any new treatment.

Is dry mouth treatment a solution to fix loose dentures completely? 

Dry mouth treatment that produces more saliva can significantly improve denture stability, but if dentures are ill-fitting due to bone loss, professional relining or adjustments may also be necessary.

Are there long-term risks if dry mouth is untreated in denture wearers? 

Yes, unchecked dry mouth increases the risk of cavities, infections, sores, nutritional issues from eating difficulties, and reduced quality of life. Early management is key in minimizing long-term issues..

Where can I buy the SaliPen?

You can buy the SaliPen on the official website.