Three Easy Steps to Feeling Great In Your New Dentures

Anyone who has worn dentures in Los Angeles for any amount of time can tell you it takes time to get used to a new set of teeth. Just like breaking in a new pair of shoes, a new set of dentures will be awkward at first, but over time you will adapt to the change. Here are three simple steps to make it easier to eat with your new dentures, speak with your new dentures, and keep your new dentures in place.

Step 1. Ease Into Eating (Practice Makes Perfect)

Warning: I know it looks tempting, but do NOT try to jump right in and eat that big, juicy, rib eye steak. You’re eating with a new set of teeth, and you need to make sure you know what you’re doing! Start with a liquid diet first. Foods like pudding, purees, and soup broth are your friends. Be very careful with hot liquids; the insulating quality of your dentures will make it difficult to judge temperature. Distribute your food evenly on your back teeth; it will make it easier to keep your dentures stable while you eat. With your new dentures, you will be able to eat almost any type of food, but be careful with tougher, harder foods.

Step 2. Watch Your Mouth (Learning to Speak)

At first, pronouncing words with “S” or “F” sounds may cause some difficulty, but as you practice this will become easier. Practice speaking out loud while alone to become accustomed to speaking with your new set of dentures. If your dentures tend to click when you speak, try speaking at a slower pace. This will help you prevent movements that raise your lower denture. Also, be sure to swallow before speaking. This will help keep your dentures in place.

Step 3. Keep ‘Em Still (Keeping Dentures in Place)

Keeping your dentures in place can be done by applying an adhesive that will keep them from shifting. The first step is to thoroughly rinse your dentures. Next, apply the adhesive (typically, adhesives are made from powder or paste) to the dentures. Put the dentures in your mouth. Rinse out the excess paste or powder with water. Make sure your dentures are not loose. If they are loose, using powder or paste adhesives can cause your gums to become inflamed.

Getting used to a new set of dentures may be uncomfortable at first, but just as with anything else, practice makes perfect. If you follow these steps, you will find it much easier to live life normally with dentures.