It’s never particularly pleasant to be informed that you will be required to wear a denture. Whether to replace just a few teeth or every single tooth in your mouth, it’s one of those significant life changes from which there is no going back. State of the art implants may be an option for some, but there will always be many instances where dentures really are the only way to go.
On the plus side, a high quality denture can play an important role in your health, your smile and your quality of life in general. It’s simply a case of learning to live with a denture, which can be challenging for those new to the idea. From bad breath to dry mouth to chewing to speech in general, there are quite a number of immediate obstacles to overcome. There are even scare stories to suggest that up to 50% of those wearing dentures will at some stage develop oral stomatitis. Nevertheless, through a regime of proactive care and strong oral hygiene, this need not be the case at all.
So with this in mind, here’s a quick rundown of just a few helpful tips from the experts on both getting used to and living with your new denture:
Brush Every Day
Just like the teeth in your mouth, dentures should be brushed at least twice a day. The reason being that also just like the teeth in your mouth, dentures are destined to become discoloured, damaged and riddled with bacteria and plaque if you do not keep them sufficiently clean. Whether using the best electric toothbrush for dentures or a simple manual brush, be sure to give your dentures exactly the same kind of care and attention you would give any normal teeth. Dentists generally recommend staying away from harsh cleaning products and bleaching agents, instead using only specialist products made specifically for this purpose.
Oral Hygiene
The simple fact of the matter is that anything that spends a long time (in this case all day) in your mouth is going to become a breeding ground for the kinds of nasties you’d prefer to rid yourself of entirely. Which is precisely why it is important to step up oral hygiene practices after being fitted for a denture. This means paying closer attention than ever before to your gums, your tongue, the insides of your cheeks and the rest of your teeth in general. Invest in the very best mouthwash recommended by dentists and be sure to continue topping up your daily hygiene regimen throughout the day.
Soak Your Dentures
The specifics as to how you should be soaking your dentures will vary in accordance with how they were manufactured – all of which will be explained in full by your dentist. Nevertheless, it is almost always essential to ensure that your dentures are soaked regularly in accordance with instructions, in order to kill germs, remove food and eliminate bacteria. It’s important to remember that denture cleaning products should never be used directly in the mouth itself, but rather in a suitable container as advised.
Take a Break
It is normally recommended that the dentures be removed from your mouth for at least 6 to 8 hours every day. This gives your mouth sufficient time to repair any of the damage that may have been caused during the day, due to irritation, chafing and so on. It is generally not recommended to sleep in your dentures under any circumstances, as doing so could potentially damage them or cause further harm to your mouth.
Consider Adhesives
You might also like to speak to your dentist with regard to the available denture adhesives – some of which really can make an enormous difference. Not all adhesives are suitable for all dentures and all mouths however, just as not all are of the same high quality. As such, it’s a good idea to approach adhesives under advisement, speaking either to your dentist or to a suitably qualified professional. If you do choose to use an adhesive, do so only in strict accordance with the instructions.
Cut Your Food Smaller
Chewing tends to be one of the biggest challenges to overcome while getting used to a new denture. Nevertheless, it is important that you continue to eat a healthy and balanced diet, as opposed to simply avoiding foods you may have initial trouble with. Which is why experts generally recommend getting into the habit of cutting what you eat into smaller pieces, in order to make it easier for them to be chewed. In addition, focusing on soft foods and gradually working your way up to harder foods can also prove beneficial.
Stay Hydrated
Dry mouth is to be avoided at all costs for two very important reasons. First of all, the drier your mouth is while wearing a denture, the more likely you are to experience soreness and irritation. On top of this, a dry mouth significantly increases the likelihood of bacterial decay, which can also lead to bad breath. Dentures in their own right are not known for triggering dry mouth, so it is nonetheless important to pay even closer attention to your hydration than you otherwise might.
Talk More
You may also initially find it somewhat challenging to speak normally after having your denture fitted. In such instances, the natural thing to do is to limit the amount you speak as a means by which to avoid frustration. Nevertheless, experts recommend that you actually do the opposite – talk more than you normally would so you get used to your new denture. During times when there may not be others around to talk to, try reading a book or newspaper aloud.
Avoid Sticky Foods
Last but not least, always remember that foods that are excessively sticky have the potential to get trapped in your dentures and subsequently linger in your mouth a little too long. Once again, dentures can be discoloured, damaged and develop dangerously high levels of bacteria, just like your regular teeth. Be mindful about what you eat and try to avoid anything that is likely to stick around and outstay its welcome.
Be sure to contact your dentist with any concerns you may have, while arranging regular check-ups to ensure your denture is functioning as it should be.
