Dentures are one of the biggest challenges for both the dentist and the patient. Imagine putting large piece of plastic and porcelain in your mouth and trying to eat, talk, and smile. I as a dentist always try to save as many teeth as possible because I know and I try to get the patient to understand that there is nothing like your own teeth. “You don’t appreciate what you have until your loose it.” This is especially true when it comes to your teeth. The advances in medical care over the last fifty years have resulted in an increase in the use of medications. Many of these medications have caused problems for the denture patient which may not always be apparent. Some of these problems include Xerostomia(Dry mouth), Tardine Dyskinesia(involuntary tongue and jaw movement), as well as sores and lesions of the mouth. The drug group associated these problems include many heart and blood pressure medications such as diuretics, ß- blockers, tranquilizers and antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants, and phenothiazides. Some diseases can also cause dry mouth. A good example of this is diabetes. A recent study by Dr. Lucas from South Africa found that patients with dry mouths cause difficulty in wearing dentures and more adjustment visits. The denture bearing tissue in patients with dry mouths can become sore, cracked, and even ulcerated. The dentures for these patients can also be looser since saliva also acts to help a denture stay in place. The other side effects of medication can cause the tongue and jaw to move involuntary and also loose or unseat the dentures. These problems give rise to post-insertion problems and can also cause the patient to reject the denture unless certain measures are taken. These measures include more post-insertion adjustment visits, special reline materials, artificial saliva use, and even the use of implants. In our office we take a complete medical history of our patients to understand what special needs if any are necessary and to insure success of the denture. You don’t have to be a denture sufferer. If you are a denture wearer you should visit your dentist at least once a year for an oral cancer exam and denture evaluation. If you smoke and wear dentures, the incidence of oral cancer is significantly greater.