Adjusting to new dentures can take a few weeks, but once a patient has adjusted, it is easier to eat and smile with confidence. For those who have had tooth loss corrected through dentures, it can take some time before things feel normal inside the mouth. Dentures feel and function differently than natural teeth. They often irritate the gums and leave wearers struggling to figure out how to adjust. Before getting overwhelmed with the different feelings that dentures present when speaking or eating, remember this advice from a dentist.
Discomfort will be normal
Many assume that the pain, irritation, and discomfort felt in the early days and weeks of wearing new dentures is not normal. It can take an average of 30 days before fully adjusting to the sensations and pressure of wearing new dentures, and it is important not to rush trying to get back to normal. The soft tissues and gums need to get used to the feeling of constant contact with the base of the dental appliance. Even though there is a layer of protective cushioning on the bottom of the dentures, there may be some discomfort when chewing or speaking.
The gums will need time to heal, and the jawbone will learn to adjust to eating without deep bone pressure. However, as there are no teeth to continually stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone loss, the jawbone will eventually shift position, and discomfort can result. This is why dentures may periodically need to be adjusted by a dentist.
Readjust as necessary
Your mouth has to become accustomed to holding the dentures into place. The prosthetics may feel loose in the first several weeks. In fact, you may find that they pop out of place now and then. Stay patient with the dentures and remind yourself that this phase will not last. Instead, just reposition with care and carry about your day. Do not forget to attend your follow-up appointments to ensure that you do not need further adjustments.
Alleviate pain and discomfort
While discomfort is normal when you have dentures for the first time, there are methods to alleviate the pain and discomfort. Give your gums a massage to increase blood flow to the area. As circulation increases, swelling decreases. Whenever you remove the dentures, swish warm salt water in your mouth. Not only does salt water reduce inflammation, but it can reduce soreness too. There are also topical creams available to relieve soreness. To help soothe the gums, apply aloe vera to the dentures.
Dietary habits need to change
In addition to adjusting to new dentures by knowing what to expect, it is important to understand the impact dietary choices may have on the adjustment process. The new equipment may cause some embarrassment or frustration, as it is possible to accidentally scrape the gums, bite the tongue, or pop the dentures out of the mouth while learning how to chew with the false teeth. It may be helpful to practice at home until a level of confidence has been developed. A dentist may also make the following recommendations in order to make things more comfortable during the transition period.
Select soft foods
To give the mouth an opportunity to move the mouth comfortably with new teeth, start with soft foods. Foods like pudding, applesauce, or mashed potatoes will not put too much pressure on the gums, which allows them to heal while the mouth and jaw get into the routine of eating with dentures in place. While soups and broth are soft foods, dentures can make the gums more sensitive to hot and cold sensations and should be eaten carefully.
Bite carefully
Use small bites when advancing to tougher foods. A safe practice is to start chewing with the back teeth rather than the front teeth. Biting into the wrong foods with the front teeth can cause the dentures to shift across the back teeth. Small, bite-sized pieces in the back of the mouth or along the sides put more even pressure on the jaws and dentures.
Conclusion
Dentures do function similarly to your natural teeth. However, there is still a learning curve. Understanding that there is a period of adjustment can help you remain patient and stick with the process. These tips for adjusting to new dentures can spare a patient from extreme discomfort or worry. For more help with denture-related concerns, schedule an appointment with a dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://yoursensationalsmile.com or call Colella Cosmetic Dentistry at (954) 428-6923 for an appointment in our Coconut Creek office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Dentures and Partial Dentures in Coconut Creek, FL.
Related Posts
Denture repair involves restoring broken dentures to like-new condition. Before the restoration, general dentists examine the dentures to check for various damage. Next, the dentist provides the lab technician with detailed instructions to ensure appropriate repairs occur. Following the exam, a patient's dentures undergo repair at a dental laboratory.Patients should never ignore their dentures if…
Many patients want to improve their smiles — this is where a cosmetic dentist can help. Read on to learn how cosmetic dentistry can improve the look of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the quality of the smile, while also addressing oral health and functional concerns as necessary.The primary focus of cosmetic dentistry is…
Thinking that you should get a smile makeover so you can feel great about the way you look when you smile? New dental technologies allow for many makeover options nowadays, which means you get to pick and choose how you want your smile to look. You can even have your smile made over in one…
Dentists recommend root canal treatment for damaged, diseased, or infected teeth. The treatment aims to eliminate bacteria within the tooth's pulp and save a patient's natural teeth. After a tooth matures, it no longer requires the pulp for nourishment. The dentist removes the infected pulp, disinfects the inside, and seals it to prevent reinfection.Decay and…