According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 90 percent of people who suffer from edentulism (toothlessness) need to be fitted for dentures, and about 15 percent of them have dentures made each year. If you are a part of this population, you know all too well just how uncomfortable new dentures can feel as you try to get used to them. The good news, however, is that there are a few things you can do to make the adjustment easier.
Here are some great tips from a Houston elder dentist.
Stick to a Soft Diet
One of the most common complaints patients have when they first begin wear their new dentures is some pain or discomfort in their gums. It’s best to start with a soft diet so as not to aggravate the irritation felt in your gums, at least for the first few days. Foods like ice cream, mashed potatoes, soups and puddings are some good examples. This will make it easier for both your teeth and gums so you can get used to your new dentures quicker.
Practice Makes Perfect
It’s natural to feel strange while you are talking with your new appliance.\ Your speech may even be slightly altered, but there is an easy way to correct it: practicing.
Speech therapists recommend singing along to your favorite songs during the day. This technique allows your mouth to form words and fluidly express phrases or sentences. Getting in some practice, even for just a few minutes a day, can make your dentures seem less like a foreign object in your mouth.
Rinse Regularly
Increased salivation is also something to be expected while you adapt to new dentures. After all, it’s almost like you’re learning how to eat and talk all over again.
In time, this phase will pass as well, but you can always help speed it along by rinsing your mouth regularly.
Aside from helping alleviate soreness in the gums, rinsing can also give your cheeks a good workout. The muscles found in the cheeks are responsible for directing food in your mouth just before you swallow so exercising them is a good idea before and after getting new dentures.
Ask for Denture Adhesives
Denture adhesives are perhaps more of a last resort, but they can help get rid of the discomfort early on. Ask your dentist or prosthodontist what dental creams or adhesives are most suitable for you instead of just buying one over-the-counter. Adhesives are known to improve the fit and feel of dentures so you can eat and speak with more confidence.
Your dentist is in the best position to help you overcome any uneasiness with your dentures. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the trained professionals at ProDentures if you feel that minor adjustments need to be made.
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