Dentures can contribute to or worsen coughing for various reasons. This connection often stems from their interaction with the sensitive tissues of the mouth and throat. Understanding this can help individuals identify the source of their cough and seek appropriate remedies.
Mechanisms of Denture-Induced Coughing
Dentures can irritate the oral cavity and respiratory pathways, potentially triggering a cough reflex. Ill-fitting dentures often shift or rub against soft tissues, causing continuous mechanical irritation. This can induce a cough or activate the gag reflex, leading to a sensation of needing to clear the throat.
Denture materials can also cause issues. Though rare, allergic reactions to acrylics or other components can lead to localized irritation, redness, burning, or swelling in the mouth or throat, which may cause a cough.
New or ill-fitting dentures can stimulate increased saliva production. The body perceives the appliance as a foreign object, prompting salivary glands to produce more moisture. This excess saliva can accumulate, leading to a frequent need to swallow or clear the throat, which may present as a mild cough.
Poorly fitting dentures can interfere with swallowing, known as dysphagia. They can alter tongue movements and jaw stability, making it harder to control food and liquids. This can lead to food or liquids entering the airway, known as aspiration, which instinctively triggers a cough to clear the passageway.
Other Potential Causes of Coughing
Beyond denture-related issues, many other conditions commonly cause coughing. Respiratory infections, such as the common cold, bronchitis, or flu, frequently result in acute or lingering coughs.
Environmental allergies can trigger a cough when exposed to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander. This cough often accompanies other allergy symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes. Post-nasal drip, where excess mucus flows down the back of the throat, is another common culprit, irritating the throat and initiating a cough.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or acid reflux, can cause a persistent cough when stomach acid irritates the throat and airways. Certain medications, like ACE inhibitors, are known to cause a dry, chronic cough. Chronic lung conditions such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are also frequent causes of ongoing coughing.
Solutions for Denture-Related Coughing
Addressing denture-related coughing involves adjustments to the dentures or changes in oral hygiene. Visiting a dentist for professional denture adjustment or relining is a primary solution. This can provide a snugger, more stable fit, reducing movement that might trigger a cough or gag reflex.
Maintaining meticulous denture cleaning and oral hygiene is important. Bacteria can accumulate on dentures, and improper cleaning can contribute to irritation or respiratory infections, leading to coughing. Daily cleaning prevents plaque and harmful microorganisms.
Proper use of denture adhesives can enhance stability, minimizing movement and irritation. If material irritation is suspected, discuss sensitivities with your dentist, as alternative denture materials may be available. For swallowing issues, speech or swallowing exercises might be recommended to improve oral motor control and reduce aspiration risk.
When to Consult a Professional
Seek professional medical or dental advice if a cough persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. A persistent cough lasting more than a few weeks warrants medical evaluation, especially if self-care measures do not improve it.
Immediate consultation is recommended if the cough is accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood. Difficulty swallowing or pain in the mouth or throat also require prompt attention. If denture adjustments do not alleviate the coughing, or if other systemic symptoms like unexplained weight loss or fatigue occur, further medical investigation is necessary.