As a general rule of thumb, dental professionals are likely to tell you that adjusting to new dentures takes about 30 days, on average. You might not be keen to wait this long, but you need to be careful how quickly you try to get back to normal.
Once you are fully adjusted to wearing dentures, you should be able to eat almost anything. However, there may be some foods that will always be difficult to eat, such as food that is hard, sticky, or tough. Even with a strong mouth and well-fitting dentures, there are some foods you may wish to banish from your diet.
There are several reasons why it's difficult to eat with new dentures. 1. If you've just had your teeth extracted, your gums and jaw are going to be swollen and sore. It will take time to heal, and for your lips, tongue, and facial muscles to adjust, before eating feels comfortable again.
Cut the food into smaller pieces, hold it against the upper front teeth or lower front teeth, whichever is more comfortable, slowly bring the teeth together through the food and then tear the remaining section. If sandwiches continue to be a problem, cut them into bite sized pieces.
Avoid certain foods in the beginning – When you're first learning to chew with your dentures, you should avoid eating foods that you have to bite into like pizzas and burgers. These types of foods can easily dislodge your dentures. Sticky foods might also be problematic for new denture wearers.
If your new dentures slip out of place, gently reposition them by biting down and swallowing. Over time, you'll learn to hold your dentures in place with the muscles in your cheeks and tongue. Denture adhesive is also helpful for keeping your dentures in place.
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.
There are any number of things you can do to help make dentures more comfortable: speaking to your dentist about possible minor adjustments to the fit (especially if your dentures are new), chewing food slowly, rinsing your mouth with saltwater are all options as well as cleaning your dentures daily.
What to Do If You Hate Your Dentures. 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.
New dentures can take around two to four weeks to settle properly. It's not unusual to experience some tenderness or discomfort at first. Here's a guide on how to prevent prolonged discomfort, and why you may experience it.
It's normal to develop sore spots during the first few days of wearing dentures. You may also have more saliva. Gum tissue contracts as it heals. For this reason, you may need to visit our office several times so your dentures fit comfortably.
Using Polident 3 Minute Daily Cleanser
Drop one tablet in enough very warm water (not hot) to cover the dentures. Soak for 3 minutes or overnight. Brush the dentures with the solution using a soft denture brush. Rinse thoroughly with running water.
All Polident variants are safe for the overnight soaking of dentures. It is important to note that Polident Overnight is specifically formulated to clean all night long and is ideal for overnight soaking and cleaning. Polident 5-Minute is also safe for overnight cleaning, and will not harm the denture.
A denture reline will help a denture work without adhesive so long as it matches the gums. How long a reline works depends on how fast or slow your bone changes. Whatever period of time passed between getting your denture and having it start needing adhesive is probably how long a denture reline will work as well.
People who have had dentures for years are able to bite and chew better than those who have had them for months. Don't rush yourself. Remember to bite down and swallow before you start eating. This helps seat your dentures in place.
Most types of dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight.
Salty Snacks
If you find yourself craving something salty, remember that hard, sharp, or jagged pieces don't play nicely with dentures and can be uncomfortable if lodged in your mouth. Rather than reaching for chips or popcorn, lighter foods like crackers or vegetable sticks with dip are a better alternative.
And if there are other meat choices, the best for dentures are salmon or shrimp. In addition to being easy eat, both boast great nutritional content that's perfect for aging seniors. Fish are full of Omega-3s which have been known to boost brain health. Not only will you be benefiting your teeth, but your mind as well!
Slow-cooked meats like brisket, carnitas, pulled pork, pot roast or anything else you can make in your slow cooker. Ground meats, since they're far less tough and easy to chew. Spreads that aren't nut-based, like hummus or cream cheese. Chocolate, which allows you to enjoy sweets without pulling out your dentures.
Some of the best toothpaste for dentures include Fresh 'n Brite, Polident Dentu-Creme, and Dr. B Dental Solutions. If you use the best toothpaste for dentures, they always remain in perfect condition. Dentures should not be soaked in bleach, as some bleach may change your dentures' base color.