5 Tips for First-Time Denture Users

Even though dentures are detachable teeth, new dentures are still foreign to the mouth. As a result, it normally takes a little while before the dentures feel natural. With their new dentures on, a person experiences a heightened awareness of the teeth. They might feel a little self-conscious as well. There are a few tips for a first-time denture user to remember.

1. Food Choice

For the first couple weeks of wearing dentures, it is wise to choose foods that are small and soft. Dentures are new teeth that haven't been broken in yet. It is going to take some time for the mouth to adjust to the teeth. One of the primary uses for the mouth is to chew food. Until chewing feels like second nature with the dentures, opt for foods that are small in size and soft in texture. Foods that fall under these two categories are much easier to break down and get to the point of swallowing. For breakfast, try foods like applesauce, bananas, scrambled eggs, muffins, or oatmeal. For lunches and dinners, try tuna fish sandwiches broken into pieces, mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes, rice, beans, and soups.

2. Increased Speech

As uncomfortable as it may be in the beginning, make it a habit to talk more. Next to eating, talking is one of the most common deeds of the mouth. Read the newspaper out loud. Read different books. Get the mouth used to forming vowel sounds again. A person will feel like they're working with a new mouth. Because of this, it is important to practice. Pick up the phone and catch up with friends. Sing in the shower. The more this habit is created in the beginning, the easier it will be for the mouth to get used to the dentures over a shorter period of time. So, speak up!

3. Warm Salt Water for Soreness

Even though talking and eating are both required, the mouth will feel sore due to the new fixture in the mouth. Soreness is a common side effect to using dentures within the first few weeks. In order to soothe the mouth and counteract the pain, take a cup and fill it with warm water. Add a 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water and stir it up. Once the warm salt water is mixed, gargle it in the mouth consistently to relieve the sore gums.

4. Mints for Saliva

Even though the saliva will go down eventually, the mouth will start off by producing saliva at an excessive rate. It may be tempting to take the dentures out and forget about them, but reach for a few peppermint candies instead. Make sure the peppermints are sugar-free though. The menthol and cool peppermint sensation really helps to counteract the amount of saliva the mouth produces.

5. Dentist Visits

It is extremely important to schedule routine visits to the dentist on a consistent basis. A professional needs to regularly monitor the mouth's adjustment to the dentures and make sure that the dentures are still a good fit. A regular visit to see a dentist in Boise, ID or one in your locale is also good for making sure that oral health (tongue, gums natural teeth) is still in good condition. With adequate knowledge, a first-time user might not feel as strange when they experience certain sensations because they are pretty common among people with dentures. As long as a person remembers to take out their dentures every night and take good care of them, they'll be fine. Also, consider these tips and they will really help to make the transition to dentures a smoother situation.