Adjusting to Life with Dentures: Tips for Eating and Speaking

Living with dentures marks a significant change in your daily life. This adjustment can be daunting, but with the right direction and a bit of patience, you can successfully adapt to your new dentures. Dentures enhance your ability to eat and speak, which in turn enhances your overall quality of life. This extensive guide offers practical tips for new denture wearers and advice to help them navigate the transition to wearing dentures. 

Understanding Dentures

Dentures are dental prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth and restore oral function and aesthetics. They come in various forms to suit different needs like full dentures are used to substitute all teeth in both the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures fill gaps where some natural teeth remain. Immediate dentures are placed after tooth extraction, and implant-supported dentures are fixed to dental implants for stability. The fitting process involves impressions, molds, and adjustments to ensure comfort and functionality. 

Tips for Eating with Dentures

Start with Soft Foods

When you initially start wearing dentures, your gums and mouth require time to adapt. Start with soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, applesauce, soups, cooked vegetables, smoothies, and pudding that are simple to chew and swallow. This will help you get used to the feel of your dentures without putting too much pressure on your gums.

Cut Food into Small Pieces

Cutting your food into small, manageable pieces makes it easier to chew and minimizes the risk of your dentures shifting. This straightforward action can significantly impact your comfort and confidence during mealtimes. Aim for pieces that are small enough to chew easily but not so small that they slip under your dentures. Try to cut pieces into uniform sizes to ensure even chewing.

Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods Initially

Sticky and hard foods can cause your dentures to move or even dislodge. These types of foods can also be difficult to clean off your dentures, leading to potential hygiene issues. Avoid caramel, chewing gum, sticky candies, nuts, hard candies, and tough meats like steak.

Gradually Reintroduce Harder Foods

As you grow more used to your dentures, you can gradually reintroduce harder foods into your diet. Take it slow and pay attention to how your dentures feel as you eat these foods. Start with foods that are firm but not overly hard, such as steamed vegetables or soft fruits. If a food causes discomfort, remove it from your diet and try again later. 

Tips for Speaking with Dentures

Practice Speaking in Private

One of the best ways to get comfortable speaking with dentures is to practice in a private, comfortable setting. This allows you to get used to the feel of your dentures without the pressure of an audience. Spend a few minutes each day talking to yourself, either in front of a mirror or alone in a room. Reading books, newspapers, or magazines out loud can help you practice pronunciation and improve your fluency.

Focus on Difficult Words and Sounds

Certain words and sounds may be more challenging to pronounce with dentures. Identifying these and practicing them can make a significant difference. Words with “s” and “sh” sound and those with “th” can be tricky. Create a list of difficult words and practice them in sentences or phrases until they feel more natural.

Record Yourself to Track Progress

Recording your speech can be an effective way to monitor your progress and recognize areas that need improvement. Use your phone or a recording device to capture your speech. Listen to the recordings to pinpoint specific sounds or words that are problematic and note any improvements over time.

Speak Slowly and Clearly

When you first start speaking with dentures, speaking slowly and clearly can help improve your pronunciation and reduce slurring. Take your time when speaking to ensure each word is pronounced correctly. If you feel your dentures shifting, pause and adjust your speech accordingly. 

Managing Discomfort and Soreness

Common Issues: Sore Spots and Excess Saliva

In the initial days of wearing dentures, sore spots may develop where the dentures rub against your gums. You may also observe a rise in saliva production as your mouth acclimates to the new addition.

• Sore Spots: These are areas where the dentures cause irritation or pressure on the gums.
• Excess Saliva: Your mouth may produce more saliva as it adapts to the dentures, which is a normal response.

Use of Denture Adhesives

Denture adhesives can provide extra stability, which helps reduce irritation and soreness caused by dentures shifting or rubbing against your gums. Adhesives help keep dentures in place, preventing movement that can cause sore spots. Adhere to the instructions on the adhesive packaging to apply the correct amount. Excessive use of adhesive can cause the dentures to feel bulky and uncomfortable.

Rinsing with Warm Salt Water

Rinsing your mouth with little warm salt water can soothe sore areas and reduce inflammation. Take a teaspoon of salt and dissolve it in a glass filled with warm water. Rinse your mouth gently with the solution a few times a day, especially after meals and before bed. 

When to Contact Your Dentist?

While some discomfort is normal, persistent pain or soreness that doesn’t improve after a few weeks should be addressed by local Kent dentists. They can make essential modifications to your dentures to enhance their fit and comfort.

Use of Over-the-Counter Remedies

Over-the-counter products can also provide relief from discomfort and soreness.

• Denture Creams and Gels: These products can help soothe sore gums.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can be utilized temporarily to manage pain.

Give Yourself Time

Adjusting to dentures takes time. It’s important to be patient with yourself and give your mouth the time it needs to adapt. Increase the amount of time you wear your dentures each day to help your mouth adjust. Provide your gums with relief by taking breaks from wearing your dentures for short intervals during the day. 

Maintaining Your Dentures

Daily Cleaning Routine

Cleaning your dentures daily is essential for removing food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can collect throughout the day, as proper maintenance of your dentures ensures longevity and oral health. Brush your dentures with the help of a soft-bristled brush and a mild denture cleaner or dish soap. Avoid using basic toothpaste, as it can be very abrasive and damage the surface of your dentures. Clean all parts and surfaces of your dentures, including the teeth, gums, and any metal clasps or attachments.

Proper Storage

When you’re not wearing your dentures, it’s important to store them properly to prevent them from drying out or becoming damaged. Store your dentures in water or a denture solution when they’re not in use. Avoid usage of hot water, as it can cause the dentures to warp. Store your dentures safely in a denture case to protect them from damage when they’re not being worn.

Avoiding Damaging Habits

Avoid using your dentures to open packages, bite your nails, or perform other tasks that could damage them. Also, do not expose your dentures to hot liquids, as this can cause them to warp or become misshapen.

Handle with Care

Handle your dentures with utmost care to avoid accidentally damaging them. Use both hands to avoid bending or warping them. Place a towel in the sink or on the counter when handling your dentures to cushion them in case they’re dropped. 

Conclusion

Adapting to dentures takes time and patience, but with the right approach, you can enjoy a comfortable and confident life. Start with soft foods, practice speaking daily, and address any discomfort promptly. Maintain a good cleaning routine for your dentures and seek support when needed. Toulus Dentures & Implants Center is here to help you every step of the way. Stay positive and give yourself the time you need to adjust. For more tips and support, contact our dental office today.