There are phenomena that are not talked about enough even when they significantly affect daily life. One of them is dry mouth. For many in older age, it is not just a momentary discomfort but an ongoing condition that affects eating, speaking and daily functioning.
Sometimes it begins with a mild feeling of dryness, but over time it may develop into a real difficulty in chewing, swallowing and even speaking. When it comes to people who use dentures, the effect is felt even more.
When natural support weakens
Saliva plays a central role in maintaining oral health and denture stability. It creates a natural adhesion layer between the gums and the denture and allows it to remain stable during eating and speaking.
When there is a decrease in saliva secretion, a common phenomenon in older age due to medications, chronic diseases or natural changes in the body, that natural adhesion is impaired. The result is dentures that lose their grip and tend to move during the day.
According to Dr. Maria Gafon, an expert in oral rehabilitation, dry mouth is a particularly common phenomenon among older adults, especially among those who take several medications simultaneously. Beyond the discomfort, it has a direct effect on denture stability and the ability to function with them properly.
Effect on eating and speech
When dentures are not stable, the impact is felt in almost every daily action. Many people begin to avoid hard or crunchy foods, such as meat or vegetables, and switch to a softer menu.
In some cases, there is also a decrease in the amount of food consumed, due to fear of movement during eating or discomfort. Over time, such a change may affect nutritional quality and overall health.
Speech may also be affected. A denture that is not stable can cause changes in pronunciation and a feeling of lack of control during conversation. For many, this leads to embarrassment and even avoidance of social gatherings.
According to Dr. Gafon, the impairment in stability affects not only physical functioning but also self-confidence and overall quality of life.
Solutions that can help
It is important to remember that in many cases, dentures are a temporary or permanent solution that allows maintaining proper daily functioning. When their stability is impaired, the situation can be improved with relatively simple measures.
One solution is the use of denture adhesive cream. Such a cream can improve grip, reduce movement and prevent unnecessary friction that may cause sores and discomfort.
Using a high-quality denture adhesive cream that contains ingredients such as Calcium/Zinc PVM/MA Copolymer, such as Kukident Ultimate, can significantly improve stability and the patient’s sense of confidence. It helps maintain a strong grip throughout the day – even in situations of dry mouth. In addition, it prevents the penetration of food particles and allows eating hard foods without fear of denture movement.
In addition, for people who are not used to dentures, the use of adhesive cream can ease the adjustment process and improve the sense of confidence already in the early stages.
Quality of life above all
Dentures are not only an aesthetic solution but an important functional tool. When they are not stable, basic actions such as eating, speaking and social interaction become challenging.
Improving stability and comfort is not only a matter of momentary comfort but a significant part of the ability to maintain independence, functioning and self-confidence.
Understanding the causes of dry mouth and adapting suitable solutions can make a real difference in everyday feeling and in the quality of life of many people in older age.
Source:
www.jpost.com
