Have you recently gotten new dentures, or will you get dentures in the near future? If so, you might be wondering how they will change your life, and may be looking for ways to cope with your new dentures. Your cosmetic dentist in Roseville is glad to help make the transition to dentures a smooth one.
Practice, practice, practice!
If you have been missing teeth for a while, it may feel awkward to have a dentures in your mouth immediately. At first, you might feel self-conscious about what you look like, especially when you talk. You might even experience some discomfort or fullness as you get used to having the denture in your mouth.
Practice by simply smiling in the mirror – please do not be afraid to show off your new pearly whites! Look at your reflection when you speak. If you feel awkward about how your dentures look when you speak, practice speaking in the privacy of your own home or with loved ones to help you get used to the new sensations in your mouth and around your existing teeth.
Use adhesive
A good adhesive will keep your dentures in place as you smile, speak and eat. You may have to experiment with different adhesives to find the best fit for you, but finding an adhesive that works for your lifestyle will bring confidence to your new smile, and help you feel at ease with wearing them.
Stick with soft foods
Avoid crunchy or hard foods for the first few weeks after getting your dentures as you are getting used to them. Overly spicy or salty foods can irritate your gums, especially if you recently lost teeth. Cut meat and other chewy foods into smaller pieces.
Be sure to focus on healthy foods, as good nutrition will help you heal from any dental procedures or dental health problems you experienced before getting your new dentures. Scrambled eggs, pasta, yogurt and mashed potatoes are all good choices.
Follow any recovery and aftercare guidelines your dentist may provide
If you had any teeth removed or are recovering from any other dental procedure, your dentist may provide you with guidelines to improve healing and help you adjust to your new dentures. These instructions are especially important if you now have an All-on-4 or other dental implants.
Remove your dentures periodically
Your dentist will also provide you with guidelines on how long you should wear your new dentures each day. Taking a periodic break, such as every 4 hours, helps prevent irritation or sores (hot spots) in your mouth. Depending on the type of dentures you have, the guidelines may recommend soaking your dentures in water or a mild soaking solution – you might find that you adjust to your new dentures more quickly and sleep better at night.
Address discomfort
New dentures can sometimes cause discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers can usually ease this discomfort; eating cold foods can also help. If you develop a hot spot, try a saltwater rinse to keep the sore clean.
Take good care of your dentures, gums, and natural teeth
Brush your dentures at least once a day; use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Soak your dentures in water or a mild cleaning solution overnight.
If you have partial dentures, you will still need to brush your natural teeth twice a day and floss them once daily. Protect your oral health by rinsing with a non-alcoholic mouthwash.
See your dentist as needed and as recommended
Contact your dentist if your dentures still feel loose or are causing pain a few weeks after you receive them.
Our dentist can provide you with more tips for coping with your new dentures. We can also make sure that your dentures continue to fit correctly throughout the years and look for potential problems.
For more information on dentures and ways to adjust to them quickly and comfortably, connect with our family dentist in Roseville. BB Dental Studio offers prosthodontics of all sorts to replace missing teeth, such as All-on-4 dental implants, dentures and partial dentures. Schedule an appointment today!