Dentures got a bad wrap a while back for not staying put and for limiting your diet. But advanced technology has resulted in a new generation of dentures that are more comfortable and easier to live with than ever. The key is that when you first get dentures, you need to follow a few simple guidelines to make the transition smooth and painless.
At Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta, Danielle Greene, DDS, is the dentist you want to see if you’re curious about dentures or how to live with and care for them. She and her team can expertly guide you through your denture adventure so you have the best experience possible. Here are a few tips we’ve compiled to help you dive into life with dentures without a hitch.
Break your dentures in
Like a new pair of shoes, you need to break in your dentures. A better explanation might be: You need to break in your mouth.
You wouldn’t wear a brand-new pair of shoes all day until you took them around the block a few times and extended the length of wear each time. The same goes for your dentures. They’re a new experience for your mouth. Give it some time to adjust to the feeling.
Wear your dentures for a while, then remove them and take a break. Extend the length of time you keep them in each day until they feel comfortable and natural. If you develop sores in your mouth at any time, come in to see us.
Put in some practice time
The analogy of a new pair of shoes works here, too. If your feet aren’t used to the feel, height, and stiffness, you could trip and fall. Likewise, if your mouth’s not used to wearing dentures, it can trip and fall — meaning you may dribble drinks, drop food, or stumble on your words.
A little practice goes a long way. Try eating some soft foods first and gradually add foods that are more difficult to chew until you get the hang of it. Practice speaking out loud in the privacy of your own home by reciting a poem or reading a book in front of a mirror. It won’t take long before you’re back to normal and eating and speaking like a champ.
Clean your dentures well
Your mouth is full of bacteria. Most of them are harmless, but if left alone too long, they multiply and infiltrate little nooks and crannies where it’s hard to reach them and get rid of them, and eventually, infection sets in. That’s why brushing and flossing is so important.
Because your dentures live in that environment, they, too, are exposed to bacteria and are susceptible to plaque buildup. So when you brush your teeth in the morning and at night, brush your dentures, too. Use a soft-bristled brush and a gentle hand to remove the bacteria. When you go to bed, drop them in a denture cleaning solution to give them a good soak.
Keeping your dentures clean will make them last longer and protect your oral health.
Long-term living with dentures
Your dentures should give you years of wear if you take good care of them and keep up with your regular checkups and cleanings. But it’s a good idea to inspect them often to make sure they don’t show any signs of excess wear or damage. If you notice cracks, chips, or discoloration, come in so we can determine the problem and make adjustments if needed.
As always, if you have soreness, redness, or pain that lasts beyond your break-in period, let us know. Those are signs of ill-fitting dentures or underlying gum issues that need to be addressed right away.
Whether you just received your new dentures or are thinking about getting them, we can help you learn to live with them and love them. Contact us or request an appointment online to start your journey with dentures.
