By the time you turn 50, it’s likely that you’ve lost at least 12 teeth. Missing teeth can not only hurt your confidence. It also makes it hard to speak or eat. That’s why there’s no shame in getting dentures.
Eating and talking while wearing dentures is a lot different than eating and talking with your regular teeth. It’s not easy to get used to and it’s going to feel weird at first.
That’s why we’re here to help you become better acquainted with your new smile. Keep reading to see a list of things you can do to break in your dentures.
1. They’re Going to Feel Odd
Wearing dentures is going to feel strange at first. There will come a time when you won’t even be able to tell that they are in your mouth. It won’t happen overnight.
Your mouth will be sore, you’ll only be able to eat soft foods for a while, and your jaw will get tired. It’s going to take some practice before you get used to them. Don’t let this discourage you.
2. Practice Talking in a Mirror
Your lips and tongue aren’t used to the foreign object that is dentures quite yet. This means talking is going to be a struggle. You will have a slight lisp.
One of the biggest pieces of dentures advice that we can give you is to talk to yourself in the mirror. As you talk, make a mental list of words that you’re struggling with so you can practice them extra hard. Trust us, as soon as you get these tough words down and get used to talking with your dentures, the lisp will go away.
3. Stop Them from Slipping
When you sneeze, cough, laugh, or smile, you run the risk of denture slippage. It can be embarrassing if this happens while you’re in a public place.
The good news is that there is a discrete way for you to correct the slipping. When you feel it start to happen, bite down (not too hard) and swallow. If the slipping happens more often than not, call your dentist because this means an adjustment is in order.
4. Continue with Oral Hygiene as Normal
Dentures cleaner will become an important part of your shopping list the moment that you start wearing them. This is because if you don’t keep them clean, it can lead to horrible gum infections.
This doesn’t mean your oral hygiene routine has to change completely. All it means is that you’ll have to add in some steps. Take out your dentures and rinse them.
This will loosen up any food particles and allow them to be brushed away without much effort. Soak your dentures each night in cleaner. Brush your gums every day, the same as you would brush your teeth.
Getting Acquainted with Your Dentures
Wearing dentures is going to feel strange at first. Until you practice talking and get the hang of your new oral hygiene routine, it’s going to throw you off guard.
The good news is that this odd feeling won’t last. As long as you follow these tips, there will come a day when wearing your dentures will feel as natural as breathing.
Even before wearing dentures, oral hygiene is crucial to your wellness. Check out the health section of our blog for more tips on keeping your mouth clean.
