How to help patients with attachment problems and canker sores from dentures

Dental prostheses are an excellent solution for those who have lost teeth, since they make it possible to recover the functionality and esthetics of the smile. From the pharmacy, it is possible to provide support and guidance so that their use is comfortable and effective, contributing to the oral wellbeing of each person.

Most frequent problems in patients with dental prostheses

Among the most frequent problems with dentures include lack of attachment, canker sores and ulcers, dry mouth and oral infections. Patients often go to pharmacies to find a quick and affordable solution to these problems, even before consulting their dentist.

1. Lack of fixation

Removable dentures tend to lose stability and lose stability and move over time over time due to bone resorption, wear of the acrylic base or poor adaptation. If the prosthesis does not adapt well to the alveolar ridge, it can generate insecurity when speaking due to the mobility of the prosthesis, make the chewing process more complicated and even cause pain.

2. Appearance of canker sores and ulcers.

The continuous rubbing of the prosthesis against the oral mucosa, the pressure points and the accumulation of food debris can cause irritation and wounds that, if not treated in time, can result in subprosthetic stomatitis. The probability of this happening increases even more if we are talking about old or ill-fitting prostheses.

Dry mouth

Saliva is essential for the adhesion and lubrication of the prosthesis, so it is common that polymedicated patients, especially older patients, present xerostomia.xerostomia is common. This can affect fixation and increase the risk of oral lesions.

4. Oral infections

The oral candidiasis is a more common problem than it may seem in patients with dental prostheses, in fact, it is related both to the lack of oral hygiene and to microtraumas in the mucosa and to the accumulation of remains of the adhesive used. Irritation due to adhesive residue occurs when the dental prosthesis is not properly cleaned.

The role of pharmacy in the management of these problems

From the pharmacy, valuable guidance can be offered to the denture wearer, especially regarding the correct use of fixation products. The main recommendations include:

• Indicate the different adhesive options.
• Explain how to clean the prosthesis and mucosa before application.
• Indicate sensitive areas that require more care.
• To teach how to remove the adhesive correctly.

This type of counseling enhances the customer experience and reinforces the role of the pharmacy as a support point in the daily use and care of the prosthesis.

If the customer has persistent lesions, severe pain, loss of retention despite adhesive, bad odor, bad taste or suspicion of infection, he/she should be referred to his/her dentist. should be referred to your dentist who can evaluate the state of your oral health and apply the most suitable treatment.

Fixing products available in pharmacies

There are a multitude of fixing products available in cream, powder or pad format available at the pharmacy. These adhesives increase the retention of the prosthesis by creating a viscous layer between the prosthesis and the mucosa.

Adhesive creams

Adhesive creams work well on most people and are easier to apply, increase the stability of the denture and make chewing and make chewing more comfortable. They are usually recommended when dentures are somewhat misaligned.

2. Setting powder

Fixative powders adhere well in the presence of salivaTherefore, their application should be ruled out in patients with xerostomia. Although they are the least used because they require some manual dexterity, they are very useful in new or temporary prostheses.

3. Pads and sheets

Meanwhile, pads are often the best alternative in very resorbed rims. in very resorbed rims or in very maladapted prostheses. They act as a cushion between the prosthesis and the mucosa, providing a filling and cushioning effect that reduces friction and prevents the formation of aphthous ulcers.

It is important to remember that it should be used in small amounts and that the prosthesis should be removed and cleaned every night. should be removed and cleaned every night. Improper use of the adhesive can favor the accumulation of bacterial plaque, which leads to stomatitis and bad breath.

Aphthas and oral lesions

From the pharmacy office, certain products can be recommended for canker sores and oral lesions caused by the rubbing of dentures, such as specific gels or rinses containing chlorhexidine, aloe vera and/or hyaluronic acid.

1. Mouthwashes 

Mouth rinses can be offered with chlorhexidine at 0.12% or 0.05% can be offered to control the bacterial load and thus provide more intensive care of the mucous membranes.

2. Bioadhesive gels with hyaluronic acid

Bioadhesive gels form a protective protective film on the mucosa. The formulas with hyaluronic acid (HA) are designed to help generate comfort, promote mucosal hydration and help you eat with less discomfort.

Patient education from the pharmacy

Pharmaceutical advice is of great help to avoid relapses, especially in terms of maintaining a rigorous hygiene of the prosthesisCleaning every night with a specific brush for dental prostheses, combined with the use of effervescent cleaning tablets or descaling solutions. It is important to remove it to sleep and to visit the dentist at least once a year. In cases of xerostomia, the application of artificial saliva or moisturizing sprays is recommended.

Many elderly people with dentures have visual or manual limitations, so it is essential to explain the cleaning routine with practical demonstrations. Offering complementary solutions and encouraging the use of adhesive reinforces their autonomy, without replacing professional follow-up.

The accompaniment from the pharmacy to people with difficulties in the fixation of dental prostheses can contribute to reinforce their confidence and emotional wellbeing. A close and empathetic guidance helps to resolve doubts, provides security and improves the patient's daily experience, favoring their quality of life.