How to Make Your Dentures Last Long and Helps you Feel Comfortable
Getting used to dentures and how to wear them well is part of the expected learning curve on your way to better dental health. Fortunately, you don’t need to sacrifice comfort for a great new smile and stronger chewing.
Here are eight tips you can follow in making yourself comfortable with your dentures and could help you save it to last long.
- Have realistic expectations
Like braces, your dentures will feel a bit odd first. It may even seem embarrassing to learn how to speak or eat naturally while wearing them.
It’s normal to incur a little shock and discomfort as you’re getting used to this, but keep in mind it won’t last forever. The best thing to do is to eat and talk as normally as you can, in a short time you will find that you can eat and speak as well as you ever have.
- Choose your denture adhesive
The first questions you likely have about dentures adhesives is whether or not you need them. Eating can be tough when you’re getting used to your false teeth.
Even the best fitting dentures can slip in your mouth. If you’re wondering how to make dentures more comfortable, using a denture adhesive may be the answer. It will offer confidence that your new dentures will stay firmly in place throughout your meals.
- Be careful when handling your dentures
In most ways, dentures are plenty tough. They are designed to take a lot of pressure from chewing all kinds of foods for years and years.
However, that’s because they’re designed to do that. They are not necessarily designed for impact. Drop them on a hard floor and they can break or bend. When you take your dentures out each night, make sure you handle them with care.
- Give your mouth a break
Dental experts recommend removing your dentures for 6 to 8 hours a day to allow the tissues of your mouth to heal from any soreness or irritation that may have occurred during the day.
Sleeping without your dentures is a good way to give your mouth a rest. Store your dentures in warm—not hot—water or a solution that is approved by your dentist.
- Clean your dentures daily
Your dentures need to be cleaned, just as your teeth do. You won’t get cavities in your replacement teeth, but they can get stained. Your dentures can also start to smell if food particles are left on them for too long. You can use a denture toothpaste or a denture cleaner. Both do the job well when used as directed.
Cleaning tablets can be used on your dentures while they are soaking in water. These help to remove light stains and loosen plaque build-up. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Watch for changes in fit
If your dentures don’t fit properly or feel strange in our mouth, you need to check in with your dentist.
The gums and bones in our mouths change over time, which can lead to poorly fitting dentures. Poorly fitting dentures can cause problems like inflammation, sores, pain, and burning. Dentures that don’t fit can be a sign of gum disease, so it’s important to get checked.
- Avoid difficult-to-eat foods
Some foods are a bit difficult on dentures. Sticky foods often wind up sticking to your dentures and lead to discoloration and discomfort.
In general, a healthy, natural diet will keep you away from sticky food. Hard foods like nuts and corn can break dentures, so you need to be careful when eating them.
- Never use too-hot water on dentures
Hot water can cause distortions in your dentures that alter their fit and require repair or replacement.