Are you new to wearing dentures? If so, our dentists in Holland, MI, want to reassure you that it’s normal for your dentures to feel strange during the first few days of wearing them. After all, it takes time for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to adjust to a new oral appliance.
The good news is that you can follow our tips to set yourself up for success. As you continue wearing your dentures, they’ll start to feel more natural until one day you forget that you’re even wearing them at all.
Here’s what you can expect when first getting full or partial dentures.
Practice Speaking with Dentures
It’s normal to lisp when talking with dentures for the first time. This is because it takes time for the muscles in your mouth to get used to speaking around a new oral appliance.
If you notice a lisp, practice speaking out loud in the privacy of your own home. This could be as simple as reading your favorite book out loud and keeping a running list of words that give you trouble so you can practice them later.
In general, it won’t take too much time to get used to speaking with dentures. The more you practice, the faster you’ll adapt.
Brush Your Dentures
Bacteria can build up on your dentures over time, giving you bad breath and increasing your risk of gum disease and other oral health issues. That’s why it’s important that you brush your dentures twice a day.
Brushing your dentures will help remove plaque and food particles. It’ll also help them stay minty fresh. Be sure to use a non-abrasive soap or denture paste. Using regular toothpaste can scratch your dentures since they’re meant to be used on natural enamel.
Rest Your Gums Overnight
You’ll need to remove your dentures at night so your gums have a chance to recover. This is because your gums were never meant to be covered 24/7 by an oral appliance. Resting your gums will help keep them pink and healthy.
Whenever you’re not wearing your dentures, you’ll need to submerge them in a glass of either water or denture cleaner. This will prevent them from drying out, cracking, and warping.
Avoid Sticky, Hard-to-Chew Foods
For the most part, you’ll be able to eat whatever you want while wearing dentures. But we recommend eating soft foods during the first few days. This is because many patients may have just had teeth extracted before getting their .
If this describes your situation, your dentist will give you specific instructions for how to take care of your mouth at home while you heal.
You won’t have to eat oatmeal and applesauce forever. But give your mouth time to heal before you attempt steak and other hard-to-chew foods.
Choose a Denture Cream or Adhesive
It’s normal for your dentures to slip a little if you cough or sneeze. But if they slip often, you may want to look into using a denture cream or adhesive. These products will help keep your dentures in place so you can eat, smile, and talk with confidence.
If your dentures are uncomfortable or slip too much, please call our office to schedule an appointment. Our dentists will be able to take a look at your dentures and help ensure that they fit well.
If your false teeth ever slip in public, you can gently bite down and swallow to guide them back in place. This method is very discreet and won’t attract attention.
Continue Seeing Your Dentist for Routine Care
After getting dentures, continue seeing your dentist for routine preventive care. Even if you don’t have any natural teeth left, it’s still important that you take care of your gums by practicing good oral hygiene. After all, your gums are what support your oral appliance so you’ll want to keep them in good shape.
Enjoy a Natural-Looking Smile
Our dentists in Holland, Michigan, will make sure that your new appliance is a perfect color match to the rest of the teeth in your smile. That way, you’ll be able to show off your smile to the world with confidence. Being able to helps improve self-esteem and can help you make a great first impression, whether you’re on a date or job interview.
Learn More: Dentures vs. Dental Implants →
Request an Appointment with Us
For more denture care tips, please call the Lakeshore Dentistry & Implant Center at (616) 399-3946. You may also fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment. Our dentists in Holland, Michigan, are accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options.
This blog post has been updated.
