5 Tips for More Comfortable Dentures

For first-time denture wearers, you may be experiencing some mild discomfort. This is perfectly normal. Small amounts of gum sensitivity or discomfort is to be expected when wearing dentures for the first time as it is a foreign object that your mouth is not yet accustomed to wearing.

Depending on the level of discomfort you are experiencing, you may be tempted to take your dentures out. It’s important to practice patience when getting used to your new dentures in order to feel more comfortable sooner, but if you are anxious to find some relief, here are 5 things you can do to make wearing dentures more comfortable.

1) Try Smaller Portions

It will take time for eating to feel normal again after getting new dentures. If you are experiencing some sensitivity, it can be uncomfortable to eat hard or crunchy foods, like apples or tough red meats. Try to avoid cutting these items out of your diet all together, as altering your nutrition intake can negatively affect your overall health.

Instead, try taking smaller portion sizes when eating to make it easier to chew. Supplement your meals with softer foods that are easier to chew and swallow while slowly introducing more and more hard food as you can handle it. This will give your mouth a chance to adapt to eating with dentures and reduce the amount of discomfort you experience.

2) Sing

If you are having difficulty articulating words with your new dentures, try not to let this bother you. Frustration will only increase your discomfort. Instead, try singing along to your favourite songs. Speech therapists use music as a form of speech training for people with stutters.

The smooth and slow phrases in songs can help you become familiar with forming certain words while wearing your dentures. Music can also have a calming affect on your mood, helping you keep calm and practice patience when adjusting to your new appliance.

3) Exercise Your Cheeks

Exercising the main muscle in your cheeks, the buccinator muscle, will make the transition to dentures easier and more comfortable. The buccinator muscle is used to chew, but it is also used to blow, whistle, suck, and, most importantly, smile. By exercising this muscle both before and after getting your dentures, it will give you more control over the food you are eating. It will also help you show off your beautiful new smile.

Don’t worry, you can exercise your cheeks from the comfort of your home. A simple exercise you can try is to slowly open your mouth wide, like a lion roaring, and hold this pose while practicing deep breathing for 30 seconds. An exaggerated smile will also help tone your buccinator muscle and can also improve your mood.

4) Use a Dental Adhesive

Your denturist may suggest using a dental adhesive or cream if you are struggling to adapt to wearing new dentures. These adhesives are helpful to keep your dentures in place, which can help eleviate some discomfort when you start wearing dentures. Having a sturdier denture will feel more natural and be easier to adapt to.

Always consult your denturist before trying a new adhesive to be sure it won’t harm your gums, dentures, or your health. Not every type of denture can benefit from a denture adhesive and you want to be careful not to mask an ill-fitting denture with adhesive. Sometimes a slight adjustment is needed to make your dentures fit better so if discomfort persists while using an adhesive, please see your denturist.

5) Follow Your Denturist’s Advice

In order to ensure lasting comfort while wearing dentures, follow the post-care plan that your denturist has created for you. Recovery time will be different for every patient, as everyone heals at different rates and different types of dentures need different recovery times. For example, denture implants are likely to take longer to heal than partial dentures as they have been surgically implanted.

The most important thing you can do to speed along your recovery, no matter the type of denture, is to attend every appointment with your denturist and follow their advice. They will be able to help increase your comfort with adjustments, medication, and other recommendations that are specific to you and your new dentures.

If you are looking for a reliable and knowledgeable denturist, contact Michael Galye at Olds Denture and Implant Centre today. He and his expert staff will ensure you receive the best denture care possible and will help you comfortably adapt to your new dentures.