5 Tips for New Dentures
If you’ve recently gotten dentures or are considering taking the plunge, you should know that they might take some getting used to. Dentures are a great replacement for missing teeth, and our dentists in Grand Rapids, MI can make sure the fit is just right before sending you on your way. Here are 5 tips to help you adjust to your new smile.
1. Practice Your Speaking
Talking with a lisp is normal while getting used to new dentures. It will take some time for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to get used to speaking around a new oral appliance. We recommend keeping a running list of words that give you difficulty. Later, you’ll be able to practice these words so you can get used to speaking while .
Once you get used to your full or partial dentures, the lisp will disappear. We recommend reading out loud from one of your favorite books in the meantime.
2. Correct Slippage
Your dentures will slip occasionally when you sneeze, cough, laugh, or smile. When you feel your dentures slipping, gently bite down and swallow. Doing this will help you discretely adjust them while in public.
If you notice they are slipping more than usual, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with our family dentists as soon as possible. We’ll be able to adjust the fit of your dentures so they look natural and fit comfortably.
3. Don’t Let Them Dry Out
When they aren’t in your mouth, they should be submerged in a glass of water or cleanser. While natural teeth are constantly bathed in saliva, you’ll need to make sure you never let your full or partial dentures dry out lest they crack and warp.
4. Brush Them Normally
Brush denture teeth like you would natural ones. If you have partials, you’ll need to make sure you also take care of the remaining teeth in your smile by brushing twice a day and flossing once daily.
If you don’t brush your dentures, bacteria will build up on the surface and give you bad breath. Neglecting to can also discolor or stain your false teeth. Our dentists will make sure you understand how to care for them before leaving our office so you can take control of your oral health.
5. Take Care of Your Gums
Even if you have full dentures, it’s important that you brush your gums. Otherwise, food particles and plaque will build up on the surface of your gums and increase your risk of gingivitis, in addition to bad breath. While gingivitis is reversible, the same can’t be said once it progresses into periodontal disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 47.2% of Americans age 30 and older have periodontal disease. Don’t be one of them.
Since your dentures sit on top of your gums, you’ll want to do everything you can to avoid gingivitis and periodontal disease. We recommend using a toothbrush with soft bristles to help stimulate gums and keep them healthy.
Call Today!
At Bander Dental Group, our Grand Rapids, MI dentists want to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. To schedule an appointment and find out if dentures are right for you, give our office a call at (616) 949-5980.
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This blog post has been updated.