Dental Care for All of Us

A full set of removable dentures provides a striking improvement to your smile and a boost to self-confidence, but it can take some time to adjust. Generally, you should be able to accustom yourself to wearing the dentures within one to two weeks, especially with the help of the following tips. 

1. Choose the Right Foods

Chewing with new dentures will take some getting used to, especially if you have not yet found the perfect adhesive for your needs. Soft foods like mashed potatoes, applesauce, and other types that don't require a lot of heavy chewing make the best options for practicing denture use. It's also helpful to cut foods into small pieces so it is easier to chew them thoroughly while you are adjusting to the dentures.

2. Take Regular Breaks

Once you are used to your dentures, it will become second nature to have them in from the time you wake up until you go to bed. In the early days, though, the dentures can become uncomfortable or even irritating if you aren't yet adjusted to them. It's okay to take the dentures out for a half hour to an hour periodically throughout the day. Start with taking breaks every three to four hours, and gradually increase the time you wear them between breaks over several days.

3. Talk In a Sing-Song

It's normal to feel a bit anxious about the dentures moving in your mouth or to feel as though it's difficult to speak properly, especially if you haven't had a full set of teeth in a while. An excellent way to adjust to talking in dentures is to talk in a sing-song voice, as singing requires smoother facial contortions compared to normal speech. Practice singing with the dentures in when you are alone or at home, and soon talking with them will be no problem. 

4. Treat All Discomfort

Don't try to power through any discomfort or pain. Some irritation is to be expected as your gums and cheeks adjust to your new teeth. Rinsing your mouth out with saltwater throughout the day will prevent irritating bacteria from building up as well as soothe irritated tissues. Also, feel free to use any pain relievers your dentist recommends to help alleviate discomfort. Your dentist may also recommend using teething gels on your gums when the dentures are out.

Talk to your dentist to learn more about adjusting to your new set of dentures.