Your dentist may recommend dentures to restore the appearance of your smile, replace missing teeth, and make it easier to eat. Although they’re custom-made to fit your mouth, it can take a while to get used to them. Here’s what you can do to make the transition easier.

How to Get Used to Dentures

1. Practice Speaking

It’s common to talk with a lisp when first wearing dentures, but this will abate with time as your lips and tongue adjust to the device’s presence. To help them along, sing or read a book aloud to practice talking with dentures.

2. Eat Soft Foods

The dentist will likely tell you to consume only soft foods for the first few days. This allows you to get used to the feeling of eating with dentures and become more confident wearing them.

Slowly graduate from soft meals, like mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs, to chewier options, like fruits, meats, and vegetables. Cut large pieces into small bites to make them more manageable to chew.

3. Prepare for Slips

Although the dentist will fit the dentures carefully, the device may slip occasionally. This typically happens during forceful oral movements, like coughing, sneezing, and laughing. To avoid slips, bite down and swallow—this creates a suctioned effect that will push the device back into place. Preventing this issue will become a habit over time.

4. Swish Saltwater

Although the dentures may feel a bit foreign at first, they shouldn’t cause pain. If you feel discomfort while wearing the dentures or after removing them, rinse with warm saltwater to alleviate any inflammation. If this solution isn’t effective, talk to a dentist about getting the device refitted.

Keeping up with your bi-annual dental checkups will help ensure the dentures remain comfortable and functional. If you’re overdue for a visit, turn to Chinook Family Dentistry in Anchorage, AK. These professionals have helped their patients maintain their oral health for over 35 years. They’ll monitor your teeth and gums and make sure the dentures aren’t irritating them. Visit the website for more information about their services, or call (907) 272-8422 to schedule an appointment.