ESSENTIALS FOR DENTURE WEARERS

[Sahar Rakhshanfar]

By Dr.Sahar Rakhshanfar

The first few days – You’re in good company. More than 5 million Canadian adults (about one in four) wear dentures! With a positive attitude and approach to denture care, wearing dentures can become as natural and easy as putting on and taking off shoes.

While you are sure to become comfortable with your dentures, wearing them for the first time may seem challenging. It might take some time just to get used to the feel of the denture in your mouth. You may experience some irritation or even soreness at first. But as your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should gradually lessen.

Over the first few days, you may want to wear them most of the time, including sleeping. After this initial adjustment period, you will probably be told to remove the dentures before going to bed. This will let your gum tissues rest and allow you to clean your dentures at night with a tablet solution.

Soon you should find that after wearing them consistently, they will begin to feel more comfortable. With the right attitude and some practice, wearing and caring for dentures will become second nature. Always follow your dental professional’s instructions. Should you experience any ongoing discomfort, be sure to make an appointment to discuss your concerns.

Regular check-ups – You’ve probably seen your dental professional several times to get just the right fit. Now it’s up to you to continue to take care of your dentures. Regular dental check-ups are important for your general oral health, and to monitor any changes with the fit, or feel, of your dentures.

Fit and feel – Your dentures may feel odd at first. You may even gag slightly once they are in. They may feel slightly uncomfortable or even loose until your cheek muscles and tongue learn to keep them in place. Take heart! Within a few days they will begin to feel normal. With a little practice, you will be able to adjust to this initial feeling and soon you will barely notice them.

Once you’ve been fitted with your new dentures, you may notice excess saliva (the fluid in your mouth). Don’t worry. This is a normal response. For the first few days wearing your new dentures, try to swallow more frequently. Within a few days, your mouth will become comfortable with the dentures and the flow of saliva should return to normal.

Eating – Becoming comfortable eating may take a little practice. Start off with soft foods. You may notice that you can’t bite down quite as hard with dentures, or chew in quite the same way. Try taking smaller bites and chew gently to prevent dentures from becoming loose. Soon practice and patience will get you back to eating your favourite foods again.

Speaking – You may find that it’s difficult to speak when you start wearing your new dentures. That’s normal. Many new denture wearers find it difficult pronouncing “s” at first. Practice by reading or repeating a few words. Read aloud from a book or magazine in front of a mirror so that you get used to speaking. Try biting or swallowing before speaking to “set” your dentures in position.