Eating: Dentures are very different from your natural teeth; unlike your teeth, dentures are not anchored in bone, but instead rest on top of mobile tissue. This means that the denture, especially the lower denture, can and will move in your mouth when you eat and when you speak. Eating with your dentures will take some getting used, so to help, do the following:
Start with soft, easy-to-chew foods such as fish, cheese, eggs, chopped meat, cooked vegetables, or ice cream. Take small bites. Chew on both sides of your mouth at the same time; this helps to stabilize the denture. Biting into food is difficult with dentures and will tend to dislodge the upper denture. Therefore, foods like apples and corn on the cob should be sliced before eating. Avoid very hot foods and drinks to prevent burns as dentures decrease temperature sensation.
Speaking: It is common for patients to have some difficulty speaking with a new pair of dentures. A common pronunciation problem is with words containing “s” or “f” sounds. It is helpful to practice by reading aloud or speaking in front of a mirror. It may also be helpful to swallow before speaking to “set” the dentures in place.
Soreness: It is normal for dentures to cause sore spots and require adjustments. Typically, we will see you after 1 week to evaluate the gums and adjust the denture as necessary. Sometimes this is the only adjustment required. However, more often multiple adjustments are necessary before the dentures are comfortable.
Saliva: Saliva is very important to wearing dentures. It helps the denture adhere to the underlying tissue, cushions the gums from chewing pressures, and helps swallow food. When you first begin wearing dentures, there may be excess saliva in your mouth. This is a natural reaction and will balance out in about a week.
As with anything new, it will take time to adjust to wearing your dentures and requires patience. To learn more about dentures in Austin, Texas, please contact Dr. Pevow and Dr. Robbins, our caring dentists at Anderson Lane Dental.
