Dentures: Adjusting to New Dentures, Eating, Speaking, and Care

How to get used to a denture?

Adjusting to new dentures requires patience, practice, and a commitment to following your dentist's guidance, as your mouth, muscles, and speech patterns adapt to the new appliance.

Understanding Denture Adaptation

Receiving new dentures marks a significant step in restoring oral function and aesthetics. However, the transition is rarely instantaneous. Your mouth is an incredibly sensitive and adaptable environment, and introducing a foreign object like a denture necessitates a period of adjustment. This process involves the brain re-learning how to control the muscles of the tongue, cheeks, and lips in conjunction with the denture, as well as the gums and underlying bone adapting to the pressure.

The Initial Adjustment Period

The first few days and weeks are the most critical for adaptation. During this time, you may experience a range of sensations and challenges:

• Increased Saliva Production: Your mouth may initially produce more saliva as it perceives the denture as food or a foreign body. This typically subsides within a few days.
• Fullness or Bulkiness: Dentures will feel large and awkward at first. This sensation diminishes as your mouth becomes accustomed to their presence.
• Sore Spots and Discomfort: Pressure points can develop, leading to localized soreness. This is common and usually requires adjustments by your dentist.
• Difficulty with Speech: Pronouncing certain words or sounds may be challenging initially.
• Challenges with Eating: Chewing will require a new technique and considerable practice.

Eating with New Dentures

Eating is one of the biggest adjustments. Focus on these strategies:

• Start Soft: Begin with soft, non-chewy foods like scrambled eggs, yogurt, cooked vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Gradually introduce more solid foods.
• Cut Food into Small Pieces: Avoid taking large bites. Cut your food into very small, manageable pieces.
• Chew Slowly and Evenly: Distribute food on both sides of your mouth to apply even pressure on the dentures. This helps stabilize them and prevents tipping.
• Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods: Steer clear of very sticky foods (like caramel, gum) that can dislodge dentures, and extremely hard foods (like nuts, raw carrots) that can cause damage or discomfort.
• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice chewing, the quicker your muscles will learn to stabilize the dentures.

Speaking with New Dentures

Your speech may sound different to you at first, and some words might be difficult to pronounce.

• Read Aloud: Practice reading aloud from a book or newspaper. This helps you identify problematic sounds and allows your tongue and lips to adjust.
• Repeat Difficult Words: Focus on words that are hard to pronounce. Repeating them slowly and clearly can help retrain your tongue and lips.
• Engage in Conversation: Talk to friends and family. The more you speak, the more natural it will feel.
• Be Patient: Your speech will improve significantly over time as your mouth adapts.

Denture Care and Hygiene

Proper care is crucial for the longevity of your dentures and your oral health.

• Clean Daily: Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner (not regular toothpaste, which can scratch them).
• Rinse After Eating: Rinse your dentures after every meal to remove food particles.
• Soak Overnight: Most dentures need to be kept moist to retain their shape. Store them in water or a denture cleaning solution recommended by your dentist overnight.
• Handle with Care: Always hold your dentures over a folded towel or a basin of water when cleaning them to prevent breakage if dropped.
• Clean Your Mouth: Even with dentures, it's vital to brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth every morning and evening to remove plaque and stimulate circulation.

Managing Discomfort and Sore Spots

Discomfort is a normal part of the initial adjustment, but persistent pain requires attention.

• Initial Soreness: Mild soreness is common as your gums adapt to the pressure.
• Identify Pressure Points: If you develop a localized sore spot, it's likely a pressure point. Do not attempt to adjust your dentures yourself.
• Contact Your Dentist: Schedule an appointment with your dentist for adjustments. They can precisely relieve pressure points, making the dentures more comfortable.
• Avoid Wearing Dentures Continuously: If a sore spot is particularly painful, you may need to remove your dentures for a few hours or even overnight (unless instructed otherwise by your dentist) to allow the tissue to heal before your adjustment appointment.

Patience and Persistence

The journey to full denture comfort is unique for everyone, but it always requires patience.

• Expect Fluctuations: Some days may feel easier than others. Don't get discouraged by setbacks.
• Consistency is Key: Consistently wearing your dentures (as advised by your dentist) helps your mouth adapt more quickly.
• Positive Mindset: A positive attitude can significantly impact your adaptation process.

When to Contact Your Dentist

While some discomfort is normal, certain issues warrant immediate professional attention:

• Persistent Pain: If pain is severe or does not subside after a few days.
• Difficulty Eating or Speaking: If these challenges do not improve with practice.
• Loose or Ill-fitting Dentures: If your dentures feel consistently loose or cause significant rubbing.
• Broken or Damaged Dentures: Never attempt to repair dentures yourself.
• Sore Spots that Persist or Worsen: Especially if accompanied by swelling or infection signs.

Regular follow-up appointments with your dentist are crucial during the first few weeks and months to ensure proper fit and address any issues that arise. With proper care and adherence to professional guidance, you can successfully adapt to your new dentures and regain confidence in your smile, speech, and eating habits.