Tips for Getting Comfortable With New Dentures

Dentures are great but adjusting to them can take some time. If you’re new to them or have just gotten a new set recently, there are several things you can do to get comfortable with them faster and make sure they fit properly in your mouth. Here are some tips to help you feel at home with your new teeth!

Commit to using them

The first step to feeling comfortable with your new teeth is making sure you use them all the time. When you take out your teeth and leave them in a cup or on a table, your brain doesn’t register that they are missing. It helps to create a routine so that you don’t forget your dentures.

Eat softer foods

Chewier foods—like steak and other red meats—may take some getting used to, especially if you’re new to artificial teeth. Start by eating softer foods, like bananas or mashed potatoes. Your jaw muscles will get used to chewing food again, and you’ll have an easier time when tackling more difficult foods down the road.

Wash them thoroughly at least once a day

The first and most important thing you can do to get comfortable with dentures is to wash them every day. If you want your new artificial teeth to feel like they’re a part of your mouth, you’ll need to help that process along by ensuring that they are clean and clear of bacteria. Otherwise, they’ll start feeling more like something outside of your mouth rather than an extension of it.

Keep food from getting stuck

Give yourself a little more time to adjust to your new teeth by avoiding foods that tend to get stuck in your teeth. Hard or sticky candies and nuts can cause trouble, as can any food that makes you clench your jaw or press down with your tongue. This is uncomfortable on its own, let alone when you have a new set of artificial teeth.

Use ice packs if soreness persists

Soreness is common when new teeth are first placed, and although it will lessen over time, there are some things you can do to ease discomfort. The first tip is simple: apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a damp cloth) on your cheek where your denture rests. The cold will numb that area and help reduce soreness. Some denture wearers find that soaking their mouth in warm saltwater helps relax muscles and relieve swelling.

Give yourself time to adjust

If you want to feel comfortable with your new teeth, make sure you put them in your mouth every time you eat. It may feel a little awkward or even painful at first, but after just a few days, that will go away. After enough use, you’ll grow accustomed to them, and they’ll become part of your daily routine.

Adjusting to a new set of teeth takes time and can sometimes be painful. If you follow these tips, you’ll get comfortable with your new teeth in no time! After all, it is possible to adjust—you need to do it slowly. Be patient and be kind to yourself.

Call your dentist

If you have followed some of these tips but are still struggling with how your dentures feel, contact your dentist. Sometimes the help of a professional can quickly identify the underlying issues and figure out the best approach to solving them. Additionally, because your dentures and gums are adapting, frequent adjustments may be necessary. Call your dentist today to schedule an appointment. 

Request an appointment here: https://oakstreetfamilydental.com or call Oak Street Family Dental at (925) 301-4289 for an appointment in our Brentwood office.

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