admin
Nov 20, 2023
Dentures are a boon for people with missing teeth. They help to regain the beautiful smile and chew food properly. These prosthetic devices effectively keep facial muscles intact and prevent sagging due to extracted teeth.
Full dentures cover the entire jaw, and partial dentures fill up the gaps left behind by a few missing teeth. Wearing them for the first time can be a bit uncomfortable because the mouth is not used to the presence of a foreign element.
Most people take a few weeks to adjust to this device and learn about its cleaning process. It is vital to have the right information about using dentures before wearing them. So, here are a few tips for using dentures for the first time to reduce anxiety and discomfort. It will help you prepare for the change and handle the situation calmly.
1. Give Yourself Time to Adjust to Dentures
When you start wearing dentures, do not assume that they will feel like natural teeth right away. You will get a strange feeling in your mouth, and it will take some time to get used to them.
It is vital to understand that speaking and chewing food will not be the same. You will have to practice speaking fluently with the device in your mouth in the first few days.
A good way to feel comfortable is to read books and repeat words that are not coming out correctly. It is natural to face some difficulty until your tongue and cheek become familiar with the dentures. Expert dentist Hope Island suggest singing or speaking in a slow, rhythmic manner to improve speech.
2. Begin With A Soft Diet
Do not eat your normal diet after getting the dentures. You need to take it easy for the first few days. Begin with soft and easy-to-chew foods. Avoid crunchy, chewy, sticky and hard foods like nuts, raw vegetables and fruits, candies, chocolates, etc.
The pressure created during chewing of these solid foods can irritate the gums under the dentures and make them inflamed. Your dentist will give you the diet plan for the type of dentures you are wearing to help you recover quickly and avoid stressing your gums and haw muscles.
The recommended items include mashed potatoes, boiled and pureed vegetables, applesauce, yoghurt, cooked oatmeal, and pudding. Also, stay away from hot and spicy foods that can inflame the gums.
3. Try Using A Dental Adhesive
When the dentures are put in the mouth for the first time, they may not fit properly or stay in one position for long. If you cannot keep them securely in the mouth, you can ask your dentist in Hope Island to recommend a dental adhesive.
It comes in the form of paste or powder and is applied on the inner surface of the dentures. You must use only the prescribed amount and avoid putting in an extra dose to secure the dentures. If the fitting is improper and creates problems while eating and speaking, you must get the fit corrected by the dentist.
You can stop using the adhesive when you feel comfortable wearing the dentures. Also, you must move your facial muscles frequently to get them used to chewing with the dentures and avoid cheek biting.
4. Take Your Dentures Out Regularly
When you are still adjusting to your dentures, it is vital to take them out of the mouth after a few hours. The device and the pressure created while eating and talking can make the gums sore and inflamed.
Thus, removing dentures for some time will help your gums to recover from the pressure. Also, you must rinse your mouth with warm salt water to soothe the gums and maintain oral hygiene.
According to Hope Island dentists, removing dentures for at least six hours in one day is essential. Also, put them back into the mouth gently without distressing your gums.
You must feel the suction that holds the device in place while inserting it and check the position in the mirror. Close your mouth briefly to check the correct positioning and bite.
5. Clean the Dentures Carefully
Dentures need to be cleaned like natural teeth to keep them in top condition and increase their shelf life. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the dentures twice a day. The dentures must be removed at night and placed in a clean container filled with water.
It is also necessary to clean your gums, cheeks and tongue to remove all food particles inside the mouth. Rinse your mouth with a non-alcohol-based mouthwash to eliminate bacteria that can lead to plaque build-up.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before removing and inserting the dentures to avoid infection. You must also hold a towel underneath your mouth to avoid slipping and damage to the dentures. Also, get your dentures examined by the dentist after a few weeks to ensure everything is alright.
Wrapping Up
Dentures are the best replacement for natural teeth and help to boost confidence. However, you need to understand that adjusting to them takes some time. It is vital to follow the instructions of your dentist in Hope Island to reduce discomfort and inconvenience.
