Whether your dentures are replacing a full set of teeth or they’re filling in some gaps, there’s always an adjustment period, and getting used to your new teeth can be overwhelming if you try to do it alone.
That’s where Dr. Thomas Hernandez comes in.
At Heritage Dental, we know that dentures are a great way to restore your oral health, but we also know that there can be a steep learning curve. Here, we guide you through some of the essentials of denture wearing, so you can feel confident in both the function and look of your new smile.
Now more than ever, your oral health is vital. Denture stomatitis and other dental problems can quickly develop and fester if you’re not careful. Fortunately, avoiding these complications is easy if you keep up healthy hygiene habits.
We recommend that you brush your dentures daily and soak them in a denture cleanser. This rids your dentures of harmful bacteria and germs. Talk to us for an approved list of denture cleansers and solutions to be sure you’re taking the best care of your dentures.
It’s also essential that you clean your mouth when you remove your dentures before putting them in each morning. Brush your gums, cheeks, and tongue with a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste to make sure your mouth is clear of anything that could contribute to gum irritation, bad breath, and other oral health problems.
After a long day of denture wearing, your mouth needs a break. We suggest removing your dentures for 6-8 hours every day to allow your mouth to recover from soreness and irritation.
The best way to do this is to sleep without dentures. Place your dentures in a glass of warm water or a solution to help them keep their shape while you and your mouth get some rest.
Figuring out how to eat with dentures is often the most challenging hurdle, but we don’t want you to sacrifice a healthy diet for foods that seem easier to chew. As you adjust to eating with your dentures, try:
Do your best to avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods, such as candies, nuts, corn on the cob, etc., as well.
It’s easy for your mouth to dry out when you wear dentures, and without saliva to wash out your mouth, it can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and saliva.
Help your mouth (and the rest of your body) stay hydrated and healthy by drinking at least eight ounces of water every day.
Similar to difficulty chewing, many denture wearers find speaking with dentures to be challenging. One of the best ways you can help yourself is to read out loud.
Grab your favorite book or pick up the daily newspaper and start practicing forming sounds and allowing your tongue muscles to readjust to your new teeth.
Reading children’s books filled with tongue twisters and alliterations is another fun and challenging way to practice your new way of speaking.
We encourage you to visit us regularly. Not only does Dr. Hernandez carefully examine your mouth for any irritation or signs of infection, but he also comes alongside you to walk you through some of the challenges of wearing dentures.
If you’d like more information about how to adjust to life with dentures, don’t hesitate to request an appointment online or over the phone at our Houston, Texas, office.
