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If you have gaps between your teeth, chronic toothaches, or gum sensitivity, you may need dentures. These removable plates correct cosmetic issues, prevent oral health problems, and help you eat and drink without discomfort. It often takes time to adjust to how they feel and function. Here are a handful of tips on how to get used to them as quickly as possible.

4 Tips for Adjusting to Dentures

1. Do Exercises

Newly fitted dentures often make it more difficult for you to swallow since the cheek muscles aren’t strong enough to support them. Build these muscles by smiling without showing your teeth, placing extra emphasis on raising the corners of your mouth.

Use your index fingers to push the cheek muscles upward until they reach the tops of the cheekbones. Hold the position for 20 seconds to exercise and strengthen the muscles. 

2. Watch What You Eat

denturesDuring the first few weeks, choose what you eat carefully. Avoid tough, crunchy, and sticky foods, such as red meat, fibrous vegetables, and candy.

These foods can irritate and put stress on the gums. Instead, eat soft foods — such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and oatmeal — that put minimal pressure on the gums. 

3. Chew Carefully

As you move to harder foods, chew slowly and mindfully. Giving yourself time to eat meals will prevent slippage and pain.

Keep dentures stable while chewing by distributing food equally on both sides of the mouth. Take small bites and chew thoroughly to prevent food from sticking. 

4. Use the Right Adhesive

Adhesive keeps dentures in place and provides stability while chewing and brushing. They’re available in powder, paste, and cream forms.

The type that’s best for you often depends upon the sensitivity of your gums. Certain products may irritate your mouth, so ask your dentist for recommendations.

 

Improve the appearance and function of your teeth with dentures from North Chautauqua Dental PC. They provide family, preventive, and cosmetic dentistry services to clients throughout Dunkirk, NY. Call (716) 366-6822 to book a consultation for cosmetic dentistry, or visit the website to learn more about how they can help you maintain your oral health. 

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