While getting new dentures can help restore your smile to its former glory and give you an incredible confidence boost, they do take some getting used to. Nevertheless, getting used to new dentures isn’t an impossible feat. To help make it easier for you to get the most out of your new dentures and give you a head start on your new life, we’ve put together a few handy tips and tricks for new denture wearers.
Adjust to a Softer Diet in the Beginning
One of the first things all denturists and dentists will recommend you do when getting used to new dentures is to avoid hard foods in the beginning. This means avoiding foods like nuts, apples, corn on the cob, and anything that requires a moderate amount of force to chew. Stick to soft foods like eggs, smoothies, well-cooked vegetables, and soft meats like fish until you get used to wearing your dentures.
Take smaller bites than you usually would and avoid biting down on food with your front teeth. Avoid chewy foods and candy too, at least for the beginning. Eventually, eating will become much easier and more natural for you, and you’ll be able to gradually introduce harder foods to your diet.
Regularly Clean Your Dentures and Mouth
Just because you’re wearing false teeth, it doesn’t mean you can throw oral hygiene to the wind. Regularly cleaning and brushing your dentures is extremely important since these can also accumulate plaque and tartar just like natural teeth.
Use a soft toothbrush to brush your dentures using warm water or a specialized denture cleaning solution and soak your dentures overnight to get rid of any accumulated food particles and bacteria. Once you’ve removed your dentures, it’s recommended that you brush your gums, tongue, and cheek with a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste at least twice a day to minimize bacteria buildup.
Practice Speaking Until You’re Confident
Speaking with dentures usually comes with a learning curve. It could take anywhere between a few hours to a few weeks before you’re used to speaking with your dentures, so don’t give up!
Most denture wearers find that biting down to set their dentures in place before speaking helps, so make an effort to bite down until it becomes second nature. Practice speaking in front of a mirror and reading aloud until you’ve gained some confidence. Then, practice speaking with close friends or family members until you’re fully confident. The more you practice, the faster your tongue and soft tissues in your mouth will get used to your new dentures.
Don’t Sleep with Your Dentures
Sleeping with your dentures is typically not recommended, especially if you’re a new denture wearer. Your gums and the soft tissue in your mouth need time to recover after a long day wearing dentures and taking your dentures out at night gives them a chance to recover. Always soak your dentures in a cleaning solution when removing them and be sure to rinse them thoroughly before putting them back in the next day.
Getting New Dentures in Calgary
If you’re in the Calgary area and considering getting dentures, or recently received dentures and are having trouble getting used to them, Hillhurst Denture Clinic is here to help. Proudly serving the local community since 1954, we’re confident that we can accommodate all your denture needs. Call us today at 403-283-1272 or reach out to us online to book a free consultation with our in-house denturist.
