Adjusting to dentures can take time, and it’s normal to experience a few challenges along the way. Common issues often include discomfort or irritation in the mouth. Most of these concerns improve with proper care, practice, and guidance from your dentist. Knowing what to expect and how to address these early adjustments can help you get the most out of your new dentures. Here’s how to deal with common issues that happen after getting replacement teeth:
Managing Initial Discomfort
New dentures often cause initial discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the artificial teeth. Your gums may feel sore, tender, or irritated during the first few weeks. This discomfort occurs because your gums need time to adapt to the pressure and contact from the dental prosthetics.
Rinsing with warm salt water daily may help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage discomfort during the adjustment period. If soreness persists beyond two weeks or becomes severe, contact your dentist. Sometimes dentures require minor adjustments to improve fit and reduce pressure points.
Adapting to Eating and Speaking
Eating with new dentures requires patience and practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces to reduce the strain on your gums. Chew slowly and use both sides of your mouth evenly to keep your dentures stable. Avoid sticky or hard foods during the initial adjustment period.
Speaking clearly with dentures takes time and practice. Many people notice changes in their speech patterns, such as lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain words. Reading aloud for short periods each day helps your tongue and mouth muscles adapt to the false teeth. Practice speaking slowly and clearly to retrain your speech patterns.
Gradually introduce more challenging foods as you become comfortable with your dentures. Most people can return to eating most foods within a few weeks, though some adjustments in eating habits may be permanent. Your dentist can provide specific guidance on foods you need to avoid.
Caring for Dentures
Proper denture care prevents common problems and extends the life of your replacement teeth. Follow these steps to aid proper maintenance:
- Remove replacement teeth after eating and rinse them with water to eliminate food particles.
- Brush your dentures daily using a soft-bristle brush and a denture cleaner. Avoid regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive.
- Clean your mouth thoroughly, even while wearing dentures. Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth with a soft-bristle brush to remove plaque and bacteria.
- Rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash to minimize harmful bacteria that can cause bad breath, gum disease, or infections.
- Store dentures properly when not in use. Keep them moist by placing them in water or denture solution overnight to maintain their shape.
- Schedule regular dental checkups to allow your dentist to assess the fit of your dentures and make necessary adjustments to accommodate changes in your mouth.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can preserve the functionality and comfort of your replacement teeth while promoting overall oral health.
Schedule Your Dentures Appointment Today
Adjusting to new dentures takes time, but most issues resolve with patience and proper care. Following these guidelines helps make your transition to dental prosthetics smooth and successful. Regular follow-up appointments allow your dentist to monitor your progress and address any concerns promptly. Contact a trusted dental provider near you to schedule an appointment if you experience persistent pain, loose-fitting dentures, or other ongoing issues with your artificial teeth.
