Your mouth and your teeth play such an important role in your everyday life – helping you chew your food, chat with friends, and communicate with everyone you meet – that it may take a little time to comfortably transition to dentures. Luckily, modern dentures are remarkably natural looking and comfortable. Use the tips below if you’re wondering how to get used to life with dentures, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist if you’re struggling with the change.
Life with Dentures
Using Adhesive
Adhesive helps your dentures stay in place and prevents food from sneaking underneath your dentures while you’re eating. Not sure where to start with dental adhesive? Ask your dentist for help. There are many types of adhesive available, so you may need to use some trial and error to find the product that works best for you.
When using adhesive, remember to apply it to clean dentures. At the end of each day, thoroughly remove the adhesive from your dentures and clean them.
Chewing & Eating
As you’re first learning to chew with your dentures, start with soft foods that don’t require vigorous chewing. For example, you could try scrambled eggs, flaky fish, bite-sized pieces of chicken, omelettes, soup, and cooked vegetables. Gradually add more variety to your diet, cutting the food into bite-sized portions to make it easier to consume. During this phase, be sure that you continue to eat a healthy diet that incorporates vegetables, fruits, and protein.
To ensure easy chewing and preserve the longevity of your dentures, use these tips:
- Bite into foods with your side teeth, not your front teeth.
- If your denture tips while you chew, try to keep some food on both sides of your mouth for balance.
- Avoid chewing on ice or other hard objects.
- If pieces of food work their way under your denture while you eat, remove your denture and rinse it with water.
Speaking
When you first begin wearing dentures, you may find it difficult to speak normally. Be patient. To speed up the process, practice reading aloud in front of a mirror until you feel more comfortable with your speech. You could also try speaking more slowly and quietly, carefully pronouncing the sounds that are troubling you.
Visiting the Dentist
You might assume that visits to the dentist are no longer necessary or important once you switch to dentures, but that’s not the case at all. Plan on making regular visits to the dentist so that your dental team can monitor the health of your mouth and the fit of your denture. Your dentist and hygienist will also let you know when it’s time to adjust, reline, or replace your denture.
When to Call Your Dentist
Does your bite feel uneven? Have your dentures become loose? Following the initial adjustment period, have you experienced a gagging sensation? Are your dentures causing you a persistent discomfort? Although they may take a little getting used to, your dentures shouldn’t be uncomfortable. Contact Wilkinson Dental right away if you have any questions or concerns. Our trained staff is committed to giving you perfectly fitted dentures and equipping you with the support and knowledge you need to keep your dentures looking great for years to come. If you’re ready to feel confident in your smile again, contact us online to set up a denture consultation today.