Being told you need dentures may seem like a difficult moment. But, with a little time and practice, you can easily adjust to life with your new dentures. Linda K. Westmoreland, DDS, at Wedgewood Dental wants to make the process of getting dentures as easy as possible for you. And she also wants you to thrive with them. That’s why she’s providing the following tips to help you adjust to wearing dentures.
Talk with someone who has them
More people have dentures than you probably realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 1 in 5 adults age 65 and older have lost all of their teeth. Not only is getting dentures a solution for older individuals, but it can also benefit younger people who have lost teeth as well. If you’re considering dentures, Dr. Westmoreland recommends discussing the process with someone you know who already has them.
Adjust your eating habits
The best way to get used to eating with dentures is to start with soft foods first. Consume purees, puddings, soups, and the like and work your way to more solid foods.
When you do move up to solid foods, cut them into small pieces at first and take your time chewing. Make a conscious effort to chew slowly and on both sides of your mouth. You’ll soon get the hang of it.
Adjust your speaking habits
Another thing people are often concerned about when they find out they need dentures is how it will affect their ability to speak. At first, certain words may be harder to pronounce. Furthermore, until you get used to your new dentures, they might click.
So for the first week or so, speak slowly. Give yourself time to get used to them, and try not to become frustrated with yourself. And when you’re alone, practice speaking by reading slowly out loud.
Use denture adhesive
People sometimes balk at the idea of using denture adhesive, but denture adhesive can make it much easier to eat and speak without your dentures slipping out of place. However, you should not use denture adhesive to force dentures that do not fit properly to stay in your mouth. If they do not fit, consult your dentist.
You should only have to use a small amount of adhesive to make them stay in place. If they slip out of place while you’re talking, gently close your mouth and bite down while swallowing to slip them back to where they should be.
Care for your dentures
In order to keep your dentures clean, make sure to care for them properly. Don’t sleep with them, and clean them every day by soaking them in denture cleaner and cleaning them with a specialized denture brush.
You should not use toothpaste when cleaning your dentures. You’ll only need soap and water. Also, make sure to clean your own mouth before you put them in and after taking them out.
Having dentures can feel a little strange at first, but you’ll soon get comfortable eating, drinking, speaking, and smiling with them. If you would like to speak with Dr. Westmoreland about getting or maintaining dentures, book an appointment online or over the phone with Wedgewood Dental today.