How to Keep the Upper Dentures in the Mouth

Dentures, or false teeth, are a realistic option for those that have lost most or all of their real teeth. It is natural to run your tongue over your new dentures as they are foreign objects in your mouth, however, continual movement with your tongue, lips or jaw can cause dentures to be displaced in the mouth. Keep your upper dentures in place through careful denture application and re-learning how to move your jaw and tongue.

Things You'll Need

• Denture adhesive

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply three or four dabs of denture adhesive -- about the size of a pencil eraser -- to your upper dentures. Refrain from filling the entire denture with adhesive as this will not keep your dentures in place or help them fit better. Try placing two dabs on one side of the upper dentures and two dabs on the other side to form a rectangular shape inside the upper dentures.

• 2

  Fit your upper dentures inside your mouth so they fit comfortably. Allow the adhesive to bind to the roof of your mouth for 2 to 3 minutes. Press your tongue against the upper dentures to help them stick.

• 3

  Stay aware of your tongue and lip movement. Often people will fiddle with their dentures via their tongues and lips, so being aware of such movement will help keep your upper dentures in place. Also, watch for drawing your tongue back when opening your mouth or setting your jaw in unnatural positions, both of which can cause your dentures to loosen. Instead, try to keep the tip of your tongue in contact with your lower teeth as often as possible, especially when laughing or coughing.

• 4

  Eat soft foods that you can chew easily when first getting used to wearing dentures. Move on to more difficult foods gradually, though stickier foods and gum should always be avoided when wearing dentures. Do not try to bite off foods, such as corn on the cob, which can loosen both upper and lower dentures.

• 5

  Practice speaking with your dentures in to avoid tongue and lip movements that move dentures. Try reading out loud to re-learn how to speak clearly with your dentures in while moving them as little as possible.