I hate my dentures

I’m unsure what to do about this as it seems such a silly problem.

I’m 63 years old and, when I was young, my teeth were so bad I had them all removed and had both top and bottom dentures.

They’ve never really bothered me, but recently things have changed and I’m embarrassed to talk to people as whenever I do, I spray them! My wife says I should go and see a dentist, but what good will that do? - SR

Fiona says: Your wife is quite right - you do need to see a dentist. We all suffer a degree of bone loss as we get older and that can happen in the face and jaws as well as other parts of the body.

Dentures that may have fitted you perfectly well for years may no longer do so.

On top of this, your muscle tone may have deteriorated - your face will feel “slacker” - and this combination means you may well need new dentures.

Even with full dentures, it’s worth seeing a dentist regularly to check gum and mouth health, so don’t delay.

Is bathtime fun right?

I was a bit surprised when my son-in-law told me that he and my granddaughter often have fun in the bath together.

She is four and is clearly very close to her father, but this seems a bit odd to me. Am I being over anxious?

I can’t help but worry that this may lead to abuse, but they all seem so happy together and my daughter dotes on her husband.

I don’t want to anger or upset her by voicing concerns, but I can’t help but worry. - HH

Fiona says: We hear so much in the media now about child abuse that I can understand your concerns. In your email, you don’t seem to think there is any kind of abuse going on, but are just concerned that the practice of them sharing a bath may lead to it.

Splashing about in the bath and getting clean at the same time should just be innocent fun and I think it’s sad that we are forced to worry about it being sexualised.

I don’t think your son-in-law would have mentioned it so casually if there were anything to be concerned about.