New to Dentures? Tips for a Smooth Adjustment
Transitioning to wearing new dentures can be both exciting and challenging. It requires patience and practice to adjust to the changes in eating, speaking, and dental hygiene habits. At Gresham Advanced Dentistry in Gresham, our team is here to support you during this adjustment period. We offer tips and guidance to help you adapt to your new dentures. Give us a call at (503) 661-2828 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
Adjusting to New Dentures: Helpful Tips
Adjusting to dentures can be a learning process as they feel and act differently than natural teeth. It is important for individuals to continue wearing their dentures to help their mouth adjust, even if they initially feel too loose or big. Patients may experience difficulty speaking with dentures at first due to changes in mouth muscle movement. To help with this adjustment, we suggest practicing speaking in front of a mirror and starting with a slow pace while using the right denture adhesive.
" While dentures improve the form and function of a person’s smile, they feel and act differently than natural teeth. "
Oral Care for Dentures
Ensuring proper dental hygiene is crucial when adjusting to new dentures. It is important to brush and rinse dentures daily to remove food and plaque, as well as soak them overnight to maintain their shape. Avoid using abrasive cleaning materials like harsh toothpaste, hot water, and bleach-containing products. Regular dental check-ups are also essential to ensure proper denture fit and prevent discomfort. Learn more about caring for dentures here.
" Another crucial aspect of adjusting to new dentures is a consistent and effective dental hygiene routine."
In the first 30 days, here's what to expect
During the initial 30-day period, it is important for patients to be gentle with their mouths and allow themselves time to adjust to a new routine. New denture wearers should have realistic expectations, as oral discomfort is common initially but will improve over time as the dentures start to feel more natural and comfortable. Increased salivation and sore spots in the mouth are also normal during the first month of wearing new dentures.
While eating and speaking may feel unfamiliar at first, practicing and being patient are essential for the adjustment process. If fit and comfort issues persist after a month, individuals should contact us for an adjustment appointment. By the end of the first 30 days, people should be able to comfortably and confidently enjoy their daily activities.
" During the 30-day adjustment period, patients should be gentle on their mouths and take their time with the new routine."
Changing Eating Habits
Individuals who have recently received dentures may need to make adjustments to their eating habits. It is recommended to start with soft foods as chewing can be more difficult with new dentures. Learning how to chew without dislodging the dentures, biting the tongue, or irritating the gums is important.
When ready to progress to harder foods, it is advised to cut the food into small, bite-sized pieces that can be easily chewed with the back teeth. It is important to avoid chewing with the front teeth, as this can cause the dentures to become loose in the back. Sticky foods, hard items, and tough cuts of meat should also be avoided to prevent the dentures from coming loose or getting damaged.
