5 Tips for Adjusting to Life With Dentures

Congrats! You’ve restored your smile with brand new dentures. But like many things in life, wearing dentures takes time to get used to. At first, they feel awkward, and you’ll need some practice talking and eating with them.

At EZ Dental Clinic, our dentists don’t just make your dentures and then leave you to get used to them on your own. We’re here to ensure your dentures fit perfectly and to help you adjust to your new Hollywood smile.

Tips for adjusting to your new dentures

The top reason people have difficulty adjusting to dentures is the fear of denture movement and the new sensation of dentures in your mouth.

Your new dentures will feel funny in your mouth at first. Traditional dentures that grab onto your gums require the longest adjustment period, while implant-supported dentures, which are anchored in place with a post inserted into your jaw, are the easiest to get used to.

To keep dentures from moving around in your mouth, you can use a denture adhesive. But the seal breaks easily to allow you to remove your dentures each evening for cleaning. 

We want you to love your new smile. Here are some tips that will help you adjust to life with dentures.

1. Go soft

In the beginning, wearing dentures can make your gums feel sore as you adjust to having a foreign object in your mouth. Eating a soft diet will help mitigate discomfort. Try foods like cooked cereal, puddings, applesauce, scrambled eggs, and yogurt.

2. Salt helps

To soothe the soreness in your gums, rinse your mouth a few times a day with warm saltwater. If you’re still uncomfortable, call us, and we’ll suggest ways to dull the pain.

3. Add foods gradually

When your gums stop hurting, and you’re more used to having something cover the roof of your mouth, start adding your usual foods. Take it slow, and choose softer foods first. For example, eat steamed vegetables, which are easier to chew than raw veggies, and try fish before chomping on steak.

4. Chew mindfully

Remember to chew food on both sides of your mouth, which can prevent dentures from becoming unstable. Don’t rip food with your front teeth, which can make dentures move around. And you may want to cut all your food into itsy-bitsy pieces that are easier to chew.

5. Practice speaking

Dentures can make speaking a little difficult at first. But practice makes perfect until you become accustomed to talking with dentures. Talk to yourself in the mirror or talk to yourself while you’re driving to get used to how it feels and become more comfortable. 

If you’re having trouble getting used to your new dentures, we can help. To schedule an appointment, call our office in Bellevue, Washington, at 425-746-6090, or use our online booking tool.