How Do I Adapt to New Dentures?

Dentures are prosthetic devices that fit in the mouth to replace teeth. While some dentures resemble a full set of teeth, there are a wide variety of dentures, including partial dentures to fill in only some missing teeth while the rest of the natural teeth are still present. Denture patients may lose their teeth due to periodontal disease, trauma, decay, malnutrition or drug use. Once dentures have been created and placed in the mouth, there is a period of adjustment, but there are a few tips to help adjust to wearing new dentures.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush(es)
• Denture cleaner

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Instructions

• 1

  Read aloud from a book or newspaper daily for the first few days to help adjust to how speaking sounds and feels with the new dentures in place. As you get used to the new dentures, speaking will feel less awkward.

• 2

  Choose soft foods that are cut into little pieces at first. Use both sides of the mouth when chewing to help keep the dentures in an even position while eating.

• 3

  Swallow often to accommodate the increased production of saliva that occurs when new dentures are placed in the mouth. The salivary glands will adjust in a couple of weeks and return to a more normal saliva production amount.

• 4

  Rest the new dentures once or twice a day at first to allow the oral tissue time to recover. New dentures place a strain on areas of the mouth where there is pressure by the new teeth. Place the dentures in water while resting. While the dentures are removed, use a soft toothbrush to gently massage the gums. If sores develop on the gum tissue after wearing the new dentures, consult your dentist.

• 5

  Clean and remove the dentures after every meal. Use a mild dental detergent and a soft brush and hold the dentures firmly as you clean to avoid dropping and breaking the dentures.