Learn to live with dentures can be an adjustment. You may experience areas of soreness of discomfort, and you may find it difficult to talk or chew in the way you’re accustomed for the first little while. It’s also possible for you to have an increase in saliva flow during the first few weeks of wearing your dentures. Not only can these issues be a nuisance as you get used to your new chops, it can also make you self-conscious. Take heart: these inconveniences go away in time (typically after about 30 days), leaving you to enjoy your new smile relatively trouble-free.
Here’s how to wear your dentures with self-confidence:
- Keep them clean. At bedtime, remove your dentures and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them. Use the same brush to massage your gums gently, removing any lingering food particles. Place them in a contained filled with denture-friendly liquid and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash before calling it a day.
- Go easy on the denture adhesive. Good-fitting dentures require a small amount of denture adhesive to keep them securely in place. When your dentures get older and don’t seem to fit as well, it can be tempting to remedy this by using a larger amount of adhesive. The better idea is to visit your dentist as soon as possible to improve fit and comfort of your existing dentures or discuss the possibility of getting new ones.
- Easy slowly. As you adjust to your new mouth, it’s best to start with soft, easy-to-chew foods, and cut your food into small bites. Don’t feel rushed during meals; the more deliberate you are while eating, the more successful you will be at learning how to eat with new dentures.
- Stand tall. Wearing dentures is an excellent way to improve your facial appearance AND your confidence. Don’t be afraid to smile!
Are you wondering if dentures may be right for you? Contact Dr. Stanley Hirst, DDS, and Bethany Jensen, DDS, at Broadway Family Dentistry today by calling 701-839-1299 to schedule a check-up.
