Custom Dentures Can Decrease Your Risk for Thrush
If you wear removable dentures, you are at a higher risk for thrush, an infection caused by the Candida albicans fungus. Fortunately, it is fairly easy to treat thrush, but you should seek timely treatment. Without proper care, the fungus will continue to thrive, causing unsightly white patches and inflammation in your soft oral tissues. At the same time, you have other options when it comes to your dental restorations. Our custom dentures fit better than other, less advanced prosthetics, so bacteria are less likely to be trapped beneath. At your consultation, Dr. Joseph Perry will evaluate your overall oral health and your goals for treatment to determine which type of dentures may be right for you. To learn more about dentures and thrush, contact our San Antonio, TX practice today.
What Is Thrush?
The fungus Candida albicans, or yeast, exists in many areas of your body. If the fungi build up in your mouth, you will develop thrush. The primary symptoms of this condition are white lesions on your tongue and the insides of your cheeks and lips. Often, these lesions can resemble cottage cheese, and they may bleed if you scrape them. Thrush can also lead to soreness and a cottony feeling in your mouth. In some cases, your ability to taste may also be compromised.
How Can Dentures Lead to Thrush?
If your denture does not fit well, yeast can become trapped underneath the prosthesis, increasing your risk for thrush. You are also more likely to develop the condition if you do not clean your denture properly.
Other risk factors for thrush include a compromised immune system, advanced age, smoking, and the use of corticosteroids.
Treating Thrush
Thrush is not a severe health concern, but, if left untreated, it could spread to your throat and esophagus. In turn, this may make it uncomfortable or even difficult to swallow. If you notice white lesions or any other symptoms of thrush, you should seek appropriate care. Typically, treating an oral yeast infection is easy. Your doctor or dentist will prescribe an antifungal medication. It may be in the form of a pill, lozenge, or mouthwash.
In addition, it is vital that you take good care of your dentures. Just as you should brush and floss your teeth every day, so should you clean your prosthesis daily. Rinse it off after eating, and brush it at least once at the end of the day. In addition, you should never sleep while wearing your removable denture.
The Benefits of Custom Dentures
Like many patients, you may have developed thrush, despite taking outstanding care of your prosthesis. This may be because your denture does not fit correctly, and fungi can accumulate between the plastic base and your gums. Dr. Perry can provide state-of-the-art dentures that may fit more comfortably than you ever believed possible. At San Antonio Denture Solutions, we will take incredibly precise impressions of your teeth and gums, crafting a restoration that will rest securely on your alveolar ridge.
In addition to decreasing your risk for thrush, our custom-made prosthetics offer several additional benefits. First, they will look more realistic than other types of dentures. For example, our Fountain of Youth™ dentures are designed to fill out and enhance your overall facial features. Our prosthetics will also function more like natural teeth, since they will be less likely to move around in your mouth. In fact, if you choose implant-supported dentures, your restoration should never slip out of place.
Contact Us to Receive Your Comfortable, Secure Dentures
To learn more about the different types of dentures and how they can protect your oral health, contact San Antonio Denture Solutions today.
