Apply aloe vera gel to your dentures one to two times per day to soothe your gums. Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Remove your dentures while you sleep to give your gums a break.
New denture wearers will begin to feel more 'normal' after about 30 days. During this time, you can expect to have some soreness and discomfort as your mouth heals and you become accustomed to having a foreign object in your mouth.
The first tip is simple: apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a damp cloth) on your cheek where your denture rests. The cold will numb that area and help reduce soreness. Some denture wearers find that soaking their mouth in warm saltwater helps relax muscles and relieve swelling.
First things first, call your dentist. They should be able to get you in for an appointment right away. After the dentist examines your mouth, they can determine which option is best for you. It may be as simple as repairing or replacing your dentures.
The gums and bones in our mouths change over time, which can lead to poorly fitting dentures. Poorly fitting dentures can cause problems like inflammation, sores, pain, and burning. Dentures that don't fit can be a sign of gum disease, so it's important to get checked.
As the jawbone shrinks, becoming smaller in both height and width, the gum ridge it supports shrinks too. Because dentures rest on that gum ridge and are customized to fit its shape and size, dentures loosen as this happens, and for many patients, end up feeling too big for their mouths.
Ideally, your dentures should support your lips and cheeks, but if they are too large, they can actually push your dentures outward, resulting in puffy lips and cheeks. The correct fitting of dentures can usually prevent this, but the denture flanges that go around the gums can cause puffiness for some people.
Cleaning with a normal toothbrush and toothpaste can be abrasive and cause damages, leading to an increased chance of bacteria forming and a displeasing look to your dentures. Abrasive toothpaste can also increase stain adherence on dentures.
Can you perform oral sex? Of course it is. Many people are afraid to kiss another person or perform oral sex for fear that their partner – if he or she doesn't know – will notice that they have dentures.
Check with your dentist to make sure your dentures fit properly – Sometimes, dentures need adjustments to create a more natural fit. If you find yourself having trouble chewing and eating even after the initial adjustment period, you should always check in with your dentist.
Hard foods: Chewing hard foods require your jaw and dentures to apply uneven pressure. This can dislodge or damage your dentures, so avoid nuts, popcorn, apples, raw carrot sticks and corn on the cob. Tough meats: Foods that require a lot of chewing place unnecessary stress on your dentures and gums.
Patients should not adjust their dentures themselves. Adjusting the dentures at home can cause the dentures to break. Instead, it is recommended that patients who experience issues get an adjustment at the dentist's office. Dentists can make small adjustments in the office while the patient is waiting.
Generally you should wear your dentures for at least 8 hours a day. This will give your gums and jawbone time to get used to the dentures and prevent sore spots from developing. It is best to take them out at night so that your gums can rest. You should also remove them for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
Practice speaking while wearing dentures
It is common for new denture wearers to lisp when speaking. For patients to regain their normal speech, they need time to train the muscles in their mouth. It is recommended that patients practice by speaking aloud, like the words they find hard to pronounce.
Compared with a lower denture, an upper denture is more comfortable, functions better, and doesn't move as much.
Thanks to modern dentistry, upper dentures are now made without the palate, also known as palateless dentures or horseshoe dentures. This type of denture is made for patients who do not have all their upper teeth. Palateless dentures can be used with overdentures, removable restoration, and dental implants.
If your dentures start to loosen, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist to get them fixed. Your dentist can adjust the dentures to adjust them perfectly in your mouth. However, if your bone resorption is occurring at a fast rate, you will have to see your dentist frequently for adjustments.
Why do my dentures make me look like a horse? Dentures that are too big can cause your lips to protrude. In addition, if the lip does not cover enough of the tooth, it can cause more of the denture to show and give the teeth a larger appearance.
Your denture should be symmetric and matched to the vertical of your face, just like your natural teeth. However, some dentists end up fitting a denture improperly, giving it a slant. This is usually a sign of a dentist who is too rushed to make a proper impression or follow through on the final fitting.
Hard foods. Hard foods require your jaw and your dentures to apply uneven pressure. This can damage or dislodge dentures. Stay away from nuts, popcorn, apples, carrot sticks, and corn on the cob, except as an occasional treat.
It's important that you don't remove your dentures during the first 24 hours so the gums have a chance to heal. Your full dentures act much like a bandaid during your first day, which is why you'll even need to wear your dentures to bed. After 24 hours, we highly recommend removing your dentures before going to sleep.