If you have recently replaced a mouthful of teeth, you are probably adjusting to new dentures. Although dentures greatly improve your smile, this does not mean you immediately become used to wearing them. The good news is there are methods you can use to help adjust, and in about a month, your dentures should start feeling normal.
Methods for adjusting to new dentures
Do not be alarmed if it feels like you have a foreign object in your mouth after you first get dentures. This is normal, and it takes some time to get used to them. This transition process often goes a bit quicker if you follow certain tips.
Manage discomfort
You need to get used to wearing dentures, but your gums and soft tissues in the mouth also must adapt. Immediately after placing the dentures, your dentist will make any necessary adjustments for fit. However, you may still notice some discomfort over the next couple of weeks.
The dentist may recommend that you take the dentures out occasionally to give your gums a break. If sores develop on the gums, rinse with salt water to ease the pain and keep them clean. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help if you have swelling or discomfort.
As your jaw settles and the gums heal, your dentures will probably require additional adjustments. Your dentist will take care of this as necessary for your comfort and a proper fit.
Train your cheeks
Your cheek muscles assist in talking and eating, and those two tasks become a little easier if you exercise the muscles. You can get a head start by beginning the exercises before you get your new dentures. The process is easy: All you need to do is smile really wide and hold it for about 20 seconds. You should do this four or five times daily.
Practice speaking
When it comes to adjusting to new dentures, speaking can be a challenge. Talking may feel awkward, and certain sounds are sometimes hard to pronounce at first. Make sure you use the right dental adhesive to help to keep the dentures in place.
Practice speaking out loud at home before talking in front of anyone else. It may help to bite down gently and then swallow before speaking. Talking in front of a mirror and singing are also helpful.
Alter your diet
Eating is also difficult at first. In the beginning, select soft foods for meals, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, soft pasta, mashed bananas, and scrambled eggs, since they are gentle on your gums and help you get used to eating with dentures. You should chew slowly and take small bites. To avoid damaging the dentures, refrain from crunchy, hard, and sticky foods.
Conclusion
Although adjusting to new dentures is not fun, it is worth it to have a new and improved smile. Ease into wearing them and practice the more challenging tasks so you can utilize them with confidence.
Request an appointment here: https://saluddentalgroupnm.com or call Salud Dental Group at (505) 608-7517 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Adjusting to New Dentures in Albuquerque, NM.
Related Posts
A general dentist often recommends a dental sealant for patients who want to take extra preventative measures to ensure the health and safety of their teeth. A sealant can be utilized if they feel like your molars and other teeth with deep grooves are at risk of suffering damage. If you consider a dental sealant…
Your first visit to a new dental office can be a time of great anxiety, especially since you do not know what to expect. The good news is that going to a new dentist is simple, and by understanding what the first visit will entail, you can make sure you are prepared. The dentist will…
Using the right toothbrush is part of preventive dentistry. Your dental health is more secure if you have the right tool for cleaning your teeth and gums. An effective toothbrush can help you reach your dental health goals. If you want to know the basics of choosing the right toothbrush as part of preventive dentistry,…
An extraction is usually recommended as a last resort when a tooth is too damaged to be saved. The two main types of extractions performed by dentists are simple and surgical extractions. A simple extraction is performed when enough of the tooth is left above the gumline to pull it out with forceps. A surgical…