If you have recently decided to get dentures, whether they are removable or fixed, you will have probably found that they can take a bit of getting used to! Whilst they can be uncomfortable at first, it’s important to remain in a positive frame of mind. Thousands of people live with dentures and can cope just fine, and after a while you will be the same and wonder what all the fuss was about.
There are of course a number of things which can make your life much easier and wearing the dentures far more bearable during the early stages. You should start by following these tips and tricks.
Eat slowly and carefully
Although you probably will be a bit worried about tackling food for the first time, the sooner you get used to it the sooner you will be able to start enjoying many of the foods you did in a time where you had a full set of healthy teeth. In the initial stages though, it’s important that you are careful – stick to just eating soft foods like mashed potato, eggs fish and vegetables which you can cook. It’s important to take small bites and chew slowly. Also avoid using your front teeth to bite hard as this can be where the most discomfort is felt.
Dentures can feel large in your mouth at first and make you feel like you want to gag. Your lips may feel big and like your face is being pushed into shapes which you aren’t used to. However, your mouth will adjust to these sensations in time.
Moving to fixed dentures
It’s possible that within two or three weeks that you are due to move onto fixed dentures. Of course, this means having to get used to more new sensations in your mouth. However, you shouldn’t worry, as the change won’t be as severe as when you got the initial set. This is because your gums would have got used to the feeling and healed from any damage caused to them. You’ll also know what to expect from the first time you went through it.
Dealing with sores and saliva
It’s possible that during the first few weeks of getting your dentures that you will get sore spots and ulcers from the rubbing on your cheeks and gums. You may also find that more saliva is being produced than usual. This is a normal bodily reaction – as there is more ‘stuff’ in the mouth, this is your way of coping with it, just as if it were food. You may find that you will need to swallow more often to keep the amount of saliva down. Sores should also reduce as your gums adapt to the dentures, though if not you should get in touch with your dentist to check that everything is ok.
Keep going!
As mentioned earlier, it’s important not to be disheartened – wearing dentures does get easier and you will get used to it. You should also remember that it’s important to have some ‘rest time’ from dentures, if they are removable ones that is – about eight hours a day is recommended so preferably the time when you are asleep. Of course, if you have fixed dentures, this isn’t something you need to worry about!