9 Best Tips For Adjusting To Your New Dentures: A Fresh Start

Dr. Dan

March 20, 2023

Prevention

Dentist adjusting new dentures for a patient

Starting anew can be daunting, but it is also exciting. If you’re new to wearing new dentures, it’s vital to learn some tips for how to wear them so that you can adapt successfully to your new teeth. At True Dental Care of Bloomfield, we understand that getting used to new dentures takes some time. To help make the transition easier, we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 tips:

1. Slowly, One At A Time: Do Not Force Foods Or Neglect Sore Areas In Your Mouth.

After your gums stop hurting and you gradually get used to having something cover the roof of your mouth, you can start slowly adding in your regular foods. In the meantime, start with softer foods. We know getting new dentures may create sore spots in the mouth. Don’t worry; it’s normal to need some time to adjust to dentures! Stay encouraged if it takes a week or two (or even longer) to feel comfortable wearing them. This is normal and should improve within a few weeks.

2. Soothe Sore Gums With Salt: Get Relief From Gum Soreness Today

Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water a few times a day should help soothe the soreness in your gums. It reduces any inflammation and lessens the discomfort caused by sore spots. If you’re still experiencing discomfort, give us a call, and we can offer some suggestions on how to dull the pain.

3. Practice Makes Perfect: Talk And Eat With Ease While Wearing Dentures

At first, normal activities like eating and smiling feel strange with dentures. But don’t worry, like many things in life, you’ll get better with practice. Cut food into small pieces and chew slowly as your mouth gets used to having a full set of teeth again. To prevent cracking natural teeth or dentures, avoid sticky foods and crunching on ice.

Get used to your dentures by reading or singing aloud until you feel comfortable speaking and smiling. However, be patient and take your time when doing these activities. It may take a few tries before you feel comfortable doing them. With time, you will get used to your dentures and be able to chew softer foods and speak without difficulty.

4. Watch What You Chew: Plan What You're Going To Eat

If you are new to dentures, it is recommended that you plan your meals for the first few weeks. When you first get dentures, take extra care when chewing. With time, you’ll feel more at ease with your dentures and expand the types of foods you can eat.

Moreover, your list of meals should contain a variety of soft foods during the initial adjustment period to make it easier on yourself. Getting all the necessary nutrition is still important, though. Some examples of soft foods are mashed potatoes, veggies, eggs, yoghurt, puddings, and beans.

5. Make The Transition Easier By Trying Different Types Of Dental Adhesives

Adhesives can help keep dentures from slipping out of place, making them more comfortable to wear. If you find that one type of adhesive isn’t working as well as you’d like, then try using a different type. There are a variety of adhesives available these days, so there’s bound to be one that works better for your needs. Make certain you follow the package directions for how much dental adhesive to apply.

6. Dentures? Rinse Them After Eating, And Clean Them Once A Day

You should rinse your dentures after every meal and clean them thoroughly at least once a day. After each meal, give your dentures a quick rinse to clear away any food particles or plaque that might have built up.

Similarly, it would be best if you cleaned your dentures every day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a nonabrasive denture cleanser. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can damage the surface of your dentures.

7. Get Your Mouth and Cheeks Moving!

Not only can exercising your swallow muscles help you better use new dentures, but it can also aid in talking and eating. The muscles in your cheeks are responsible for common actions such as chewing and speaking. By performing these exercises four to five times a day for 15 to 20 seconds, you can improve the appearance of your smile before getting dentures.

8. Time Heals, So Give It Time. Remember To Wear Your Dentures Every Day!

Your tongue, gums, and facial muscles need time to adjust to having a full set of teeth again. At first, it’s normal to feel like your mouth is too full. However, this sensation will eventually disappear. For most patients, it is best to give yourself around a month before you fully get used to wearing dentures.

In the beginning, it is common for dentures to feel unnatural. It may be tempting to remove your dentures frequently throughout the day; however, resist that urge. If you don’t have any major pain or sore areas, wearing your dentures consistently will help you progress faster.

9. New Dentures? Handle with Care!

Surprisingly, dentures are delicate items that need to be handled delicately and with extra care. If you’re worried about your dentures getting dropped or broken, place a towel in the bottom of the sink before soaking them. Above all, follow the guidelines provided by True Dental Care Of Bloomfield; this will help alleviate any concerns you may have during the adjustment phase.

Final Thoughts

Making the transition to dentures can be a difficult process as your mouth adjusts to the new prosthetic, but it doesn’t have to be. At True Dental Care of Bloomfield, we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible care and adjustment experience when settling in with new dentures. So if you’re looking for an optimal experience while switching to dentures, then look no further – schedule a dental appointment in Bloomfield NJ with True Dental Care of Bloomfield today!