A Guide to Preparing for and Living with Dentures
At Gresham Advanced Dentistry in Gresham and the surrounding area, we offer dentures to help restore missing teeth and self-confidence. Our team can provide information on how to prepare for dentures, including proper cleaning, overnight storage, and stocking up on the right foods. Call us today at (503) 661-2828 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Foods to Buy Before the Procedure
If you are new to wearing dentures, it may take some time to adjust. It is important to be cautious with your food choices during the first few weeks to allow your mouth to adapt. It is best to start with liquids and soft foods such as soups, smoothies, puddings, and applesauce.
As you transition to solid foods, it is still important to avoid hard foods that could dislodge or damage your dentures. WebMD suggests cutting food into small pieces and chewing on both sides of your mouth instead of just the front teeth. It is also recommended to avoid smoking and consuming foods and drinks that can stain dentures. Just like natural teeth, dentures can become discolored over time. Learn more about dental health and dentures on WebMD.
"New denture wearers should be careful with their food choices for a few weeks to ensure that their mouths adjust well."
Lifestyle Changes
New denture wearers will go through lifestyle changes as they adapt to and care for their appliances. Adjusting to eating and speaking with dentures may take time as the mouth muscles become accustomed to the new sensation. Initially, there may be increased saliva flow, but this will decrease as wearers become more comfortable with their dentures.
Speaking with dentures may feel odd at first, but practicing will help improve speech and boost confidence. Changes in diet and oral hygiene habits are also necessary to maintain clean and healthy dentures.
"New denture wearers will experience various lifestyle changes as they adjust to and maintain their appliances."
Keeping Dentures Clean
Taking care of removable dentures is a daily responsibility that is crucial for maintaining their appearance, comfort, and functionality. It is recommended to buy a nonabrasive toothbrush before getting dentures and always handle them with care. The Mayo Clinic suggests rinsing dentures after meals to eliminate food particles, followed by cleaning the mouth with a soft toothbrush or cloth before reinserting them.
Denture-wearers should also soak their dentures overnight to help them retain their shape. It is important to use a mild solution for soaking if water is not preferred. Before putting dentures back in the mouth, it is essential to rinse them thoroughly, especially after using a soaking solution, to remove any potentially harmful chemicals.
"Caring for removable dentures is a daily task that will help keep them looking, feeling, and functioning well."
Set Expectations
It is important for individuals to have realistic expectations before and after getting dentures. Educating oneself on life with dentures is the best way to set these expectations and alleviate concerns. While dentures can improve eating, speaking, and confidence, they also require lifestyle adjustments that can impact daily activities like diet, speech, and smiling. Fortunately, most of these changes are positive.
As individuals become accustomed to wearing dentures, they will begin to experience the benefits on their daily lives. It is important to remember that the positive effects of new dentures will take time to fully manifest. The initial months will involve a learning curve and practice, so patience is key when dentures are not perfect right away. Maintaining open communication with our team is crucial to ensure that dentures fit and feel comfortable.
