Dear Dr. Roach: After 50-plus years with the same set of dentures, my husband decided to get new ones. The old ones were so worn they would no longer chew food effectively.
When I asked my dentist for a denture dentist recommendation, he said he could do it. Long story short, my husband decided to have my dentist make his new dentures. Unfortunately, even after months of adjustments, the dentures do not fit well. My husband is often in pain when eating due to food particles getting under the plates; he is constantly trying to adjust them in his mouth.
I feel awful because after I recommended my dentist, my husband is so disappointed. I have tried finding a “denture specialist” online and in the phone book, but all of the listings are for regular dentists who also do dentures (just like my dentist).
My husband is 73; I want his last decades to be full of happy meal memories, not painful ones.
R.N.
I spoke to Dr. Bobby Vijay, a dentist in New York city, who advised:
“General dentists and prosthodontists are very well trained in making full or partial dentures. Poor-fitting dentures can result in their constant movement in the mouth, causing sores and irritation. Success of a denture is based on a whole host of factors, including age of the patient, amount of bone resorption, anatomy of the jaw, medical history, etc. Finally, it is the skills of the dentist and the dental lab. Fabrication requires several steps and shortcuts never result in a well fitting denture.”
General dentists are expert at making dentures and if someone unhappy with their prosthesis, it’s best to discuss concerns with the dentist, who should be able to give reasons for failure. If the patient is still not satisfied, then get a second opinion from a prosthodontist.
Dear Dr. Roach: My dental hygienist recommends rinsing the mouth with hydrogen peroxide to kill germs after flossing. Lately, I have heard that using too much hydrogen peroxide can be harmful. What are your thoughts?
T.W.
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antiseptic that has some usefulness for household objects; however, I don’t recommend it as an oral rinse. It is too toxic to tissues. In a 1993 study, even hydrogen peroxide solutions diluted to half and quarter strengths caused damage to mucous membranes and caused “overwhelmingly negative subjective reactions.” Thus they were not recommended for oral care.
A regular mouthwash is a much better choice, and your dentist can prescribe a medicated mouthwash if needed.
I don’t recommend hydrogen peroxide for cleaning cuts and abrasions, either. It isn’t effective at inhibiting bacterial growth.
I recommend careful cleaning with mild soap and water or saline and an antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin.
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