(215) 677-2401
Dentures are among the most popular and tried-and-true of all tooth replacement solutions, and they’ve assisted countless generations of patients with rebuilding their smiles. And if you’ve just received dentures of your own, you’re probably feeling pretty thrilled to have a functional and beautiful smile once again! However, the first month of wearing dentures can be an uphill battle for many patients, and you might be feeling a little helpless when it comes to fully adjusting to the prosthetic teeth. Here are three tips to keep in mind as you navigate this phase!
Tip #1: Mind Your Diet
If you’ve had orthodontic treatment in the past, you might remember the list of dietary restrictions and guidelines that you had to closely follow to prevent complications. Similar rules exist for patients with dentures; certain foods are entirely off-limits, including things like popcorn kernels, hard candies, and sticky items like caramel. Even chewing on ice cubes is hazardous! Instead, stick with soft foods at first like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soups and broths, yogurt, pudding, and more. These items are so easy to chew that you won’t encounter many difficulties eating them, and they’ll also help your mouth become used to the motion of chewing with dentures.
Tip #2: Practice Speaking & Reading Out Loud
Many patients find learning how to talk normally after receiving dentures somewhat tricky; it’s easy to take for granted just how influential our teeth are when it comes to speech! Dentures can sometimes slip and slide around the mouth while speaking, which can impact your pronunciation. Not to mention, they also tend to make your mouth produce more saliva, further complicating speech. To become accustomed to speaking with your dentures, you should practice speaking in front of a friend or family member. You might also try reading a book out loud and listening closely to how you’re pronouncing certain sounds, refining your speech as you go.
Tip #3: Establish a Routine
Although your dentures are meant to replace your teeth, they don’t excuse you from brushing! You’ll want to get in the habit of regularly brushing and soaking your dentures early on, so that you’re setting them up to last for as long as possible. At first, this routine might seem tedious and inconvenient, but it’s essential—plus, getting used to doing it will help it become second nature by the time you’ve conquered the adjustment period.
It’s also normal for patients with dentures to experience discomfort for those first 30 days since your soft oral tissues need to become accustomed to being in constant contact with the base of your new teeth. If you still suspect your dentures aren’t fitting properly, or you’re still experiencing uncomfortable issues, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist—adjustments might be needed!
About the Practice
The team at Dentex Dental of Philadelphia offers a wide range of services including restorative options like dentures to assist patients with tooth loss. If you have any questions about dentures or need a little extra help navigating your adjustment period, don’t hesitate to contact the practice today for additional information or assistance. Bustleton Office Telephone: (215) 677-3904