Dacula, GA – Elder Care: When Dentures Fail to Fit Due to Medical Conditions

Dental problems tend to plague many seniors. These problems can cause decay and tooth loss, which means that many elderly people have dentures. To some, dentures are an adequate replacement to real teeth, but they do come with some issues. Dentures may fit well one day, but suddenly become too tight or too loose. This is because certain health conditions cause dental issues to the teeth and gums, causing dentures to fit poorly. Elderly health care providers should read on to learn more about the issues that can affect denture health.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that can affect the entire body, including the mouth. Those who have issues keeping their blood sugar under control are prone to severe gum disease. Gun disease can cause inflammation, which can make it difficult for dentures to fit properly.

Cancer

Seniors with cancer may seek radiation or chemotherapy as treatment. When the treatment is aimed at the head or neck, serious side effects may occur. Dry mouth is common, and the gums, cheeks and lips may become swollen, causing the dentures to fit poorly.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes bone loss, and not just to the limbs. Even the jaw can experience bone loss and this can cause the jaw to change shape. Even the gum tissues can shrink, and both of these conditions can cause dentures to fit poorly.

Arthritis

Arthritis can make it difficult to perform everyday activities. The condition mainly affects the fingers and hands and therefore can make it difficult to keep dentures clean. Regular dental exams can keep dentures fitting properly.

Weight Changes

When you lose or gain weight, your clothes don’t fit as well as they once did. The same is true for dentures. Weight changes affect the gum pads in the mouth, which can affect how dentures fit. Your client should maintain a stable weight and eats lots of fruits and vegetables high in fiber.

Smoking and Drinking

Lifestyle choices, such as smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol, can cause serious oral health issues. Smoking causes gum disease, which leads to inflammation. Excess alcohol use causes dry mouth. This can allow bacteria to run rampant throughout the mouth and cause gum disease. Gum disease and dry mouth can cause dentures to fit improperly. Not only that, but drinking and smoking are unhealthy habits that should be avoided if possible as they can also cause oral cancer.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your elder care needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable services in Dacula, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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