Chewing Difficulties 101
Problems and difficulties chewing can be a result of various different conditions, and they can often pose a real problem. Additionally, they can also open the door to many other issues. But how can you deal with them and recognize them in time? And what can you do to prevent similar problems from happening again? Well, that’s what we will be going over today.
And, if your chewing problems are happening due to missing teeth, a dental bridge is a good solution. So, if you’re interested in implant bridges, view this page to get informed. Now, without further ado, let’s get into discussing chewing problems and how to solve them.
Notable Causes of Chewing Difficulties and Their Treatments
Chewing disorders and difficulties are common dental problems, and the majority of people have to face these issues at some point in their lives.
With them being so common, it’s a given that there are many different factors that can take credit for causing them.
Loose Teeth or Dentures
A common cause behind chewing problems is loose teeth, as well as loose dentures. Now, loose teeth don’t only cause chewing difficulties — they can also be very painful.
Also, loose dentures can cause many chewing issues by slipping out of place or wobbling when you eat.
Luckily, such problems are fixable, and depending on your situation, you can get them relined or replace them with a new set.
Alternatively, you can get implant-retained dentures and not have to worry about your dentures slipping out of place again.
Additionally, loose dentures are nothing to get too stressed about. It usually happens when dentures are relatively worn out or if they don’t fit you that well.
Sore Teeth or Gums
Sore teeth and gums can cause chewing issues, and there are many factors that can lead to sore and painful gums.
Tooth decay, gum disease, chipped or cracked teeth, infections, abscesses, soft tissue lesions, and oral cancer can all lead to soreness, pain, and discomfort.
All of that can make chewing feel uncomfortable or even painful at times.
Luckily, through a proper examination, your dentist will be able to point out the culprit hiding behind your sore mouth, and by tackling the culprit in question, your chewing issues will also be resolved.
Jaw Joint Pain
There are two temporomandibular joints, one on each side of your skull, that allow your jaw to function. That entails opening, closing, and moving the jaw.
A common jaw problem known as TMJ disorder can be the cause of many jaw-related problems and can even cause migraines, headaches, ear ringing, tingling in your fingers and toes, and even pain in your neck, shoulders, and face.
Understandably, jaw problems can also lead to chewing problems. Injuries and defects can often cause TMJ, but another more common cause is a misaligned jaw.
TMJ can be treated with therapy or medications, and sometimes if those methods don’t work, surgery is also an option.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth is another issue that can cause chewing difficulties. This problem usually occurs due to medications and can be treated with artificial saliva.
The reason why this can cause chewing problems in the first place is that saliva plays a crucial role in helping you moisten and break down your food, and it also encourages proper chewing. So, a lack of saliva can negatively affect the chewing process.
Stroke
Strokes are known to cause jaw problems, which can, in turn, influence a person’s ability to properly chew their food. If you’re experiencing these problems, you should consult a doctor about it since treating these side effects can solve the chewing issues you might be experiencing.
Additional Ways to Treat Chewing Problems
If your chewing problems are due to something else or need some extra steps, here is some additional information on how to treat them.
Speech Therapy
If your chewing problems are due to issues with muscle functions, a reasonable next step is to visit a speech therapist. Your therapist will help you regain the usage of your mouth and throat muscles, which will help you recover your chewing abilities.
Of course, you will need to do a lot of work yourself too and practice regularly.
Dental Bridge
If your chewing problem is the result of missing teeth, your best solution is getting a tooth bridge. This type of dental procedure replaces your missing teeth with false ones that are usually made out of porcelain or metal, a mix of both, or, alternatively, zirconia.
The reason why it’s called a dental bridge is due to the fact that it essentially performs the role of a bridge that connects the two sides of the gap in your teeth.
These dental bridges can last you anywhere between 5 and 15 years and can be an alternative solution to getting dentures.
Medication
If your chewing problems are due to pain or discomfort caused by a certain condition, your doctor might be able to help by prescribing a form of medicine.
Depending on your specific problem, the doctor might prescribe medicine that reduces inflammation or, alternatively, medicine that deals with infections.
Diet Tips
Sometimes chewing problems are there to stay for a while, and you might need to go around them. So a good way to approach chewing difficulties, in that case, is through diet changes.
So, here are some tips you can follow while still maintaining a nutritious diet.
- Eating softer, smoother foods that are easier to swallow
- Blending or mashing your food whenever you can
- Moistening your food
- Cut food into really small bites
- Giving baby food a shot
- Taking sips of water, juice, yogurt, or any other liquid to moisten your mouth and food
- Avoiding hard foods, dry foods, and food that require a lot of chewing
- Including nutritional supplements
- Eating foods that are high in proteins and calories if you’re concerned about losing too much weight
