10 Do’s and Don’ts for New and Veteran Denture Wearers

July 20, 2023 7:27 pm Published by

10 Do’s and Don’ts for New and Veteran Denture Wearers

Most denture wearers find their dentures make their lives easier and more fulfilling. These are some tips to keep that experience fresh and positive!

  1. “Do” soak your dentures overnight in a denture cleaning solution. Dentures that are clean are more pleasant to wear. Bacteria can thrive on dentures that are not cleaned regularly and impact your breath and other dental hygiene.
  2. “Don’t” wear your dentures to sleep at night. Over time, wearing dentures to sleep can advance deterioration of bone which will result in poorly fitting dentures and more frequent replacements. Additionally, don’t use regular toothpaste to clean your dentures. It scratches the surface and provides bacteria with additional places to grow.
  3. “Do” use your fingers to push your partial dentures and put them into place.
  4. “Don’t” bite down to put your dentures or partials into place. For its size, the jaw is the strongest muscle in your body. Biting down when they are out of alignment or have something blocking it can either injure the tissues or break your dental appliance.
  5. “Do” expect for there to be a time of adjustment as you learn to eat and speak with your new dentures. Be patient and give yourself time. It will get better and soon you’ll be doing most of the things you used to without much thought at all.
  6. “Don’t” get discouraged if things don’t happen as quickly as you like. It takes several weeks for your mouth to adjust to new dentures. When eating, starting with softer foods at first is recommended, while you retrain your muscles to eat with the dentures. If you’re having a frustrating challenge, let your denturist know. There may be a simple solution!
  7. “Do” pay attention to how your mouth is feeling. It’s normal for there to be sore spots as you adjust to new dentures or partial dentures. Take them out as needed and rinse with water in between meals. If one or two areas in the mouth continue to be sore for 10-14 days, come in for an adjustment.
  8. “Don’t” let pain and discomfort go long term. All dentures need occasional attention to keep them comfortable and effective. Small problems caught early are easier to deal with than big problems let go.
  9. “Do” see your denturist at least once a year to check on your dentures, partials and implants. Gum tissues can change over the course of a year. Regular care and checking will keep you smiling, talking, eating and enjoying your favourite foods.
  10. “Don’t” delay coming in for an adjustment or check if anything is causing you problems or discomfort.

The team at McCallum Denture Clinic cares about your dental health. Follow these “do’s and don’ts” and we’ll be there with you as you adjust to new dentures or dental appliances.

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This post was written by Channa