5 Beginner Tips for Wearing Dentures
Are you new to wearing full or partial dentures? Our dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, has some tips to make this adjustment period as easy as possible. Whether you’ve recently lost a tooth or had a dental extraction, our office can walk you through the steps of getting used to your new dentures.
Here’s what you need to know about wearing dentures and setting yourself up for success.
1. Soak Your Dentures at Night
Your gums need a chance to rest, which is why we recommend removing your dentures at night. Be sure to fully submerge your dentures in a glass of water or denture cleaner when you’re not wearing them. This will prevent your prosthetic teeth from drying out, cracking, and warping.
Your dentures depend on your gums being healthy to provide a strong foundation. By removing your dentures at night, you’ll be giving your gums the TLC they deserve.
2. Brush Your Gums
Even if you no longer have any natural teeth, it’s important that you continue to brush your gums. Throughout the course of the day, bacteria will build up on your gums. If you don’t remove this bacteria, it’ll increase your risk of gum disease and can make wearing dentures uncomfortable in the long term.
3. Eat Soft Foods at First
If you just received your dentures, we recommend starting off with foods that are soft and easy to chew. As you , you’ll be able to gradually introduce chewier foods. When you’re adjusting to dentures, take things one step at a time and don’t be afraid to cut up your food into small, bite-sized pieces if that helps you at the start of this journey.
4. Know How to Correct Slipping Dentures
Even the best-fitting dentures will slip if you make a sudden movement, such as sneeze and cough. The good news is that there’s an easy and discreet way to correct your slipping dentures so no one is the wiser! Simply bite down gently and swallow to slip your dentures back into place. This tip will help you maintain your confidence and keep your cool if your dentures slip during an inopportune moment.
Also, keep in mind that we have a denture lab on site. This means that you can schedule denture repairs and adjustments with our office as needed.
5. Clean Your Dentures Every Day
Our dentist and his team will explain how to give your full or partial dentures the thorough cleaning they deserve. Once you take your dentures home, it’ll be your responsibility to keep them clean and free of bacteria.
Just like with your teeth, dentures can get plaque and tartar buildup. If you don’t on a daily basis, you may also experience bad breath and increase your risk of gum disease. Take care of your dentures, and they’ll take care of you!
Schedule a Consultation for Dentures
Dr. Ronald Olszewski is an experienced family dentist in Grand Rapids, MI. He’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you on your smile journey. To schedule an appointment, please call Always a Smile Dental at (616) 949-1700. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.