Getting a new set of dentures can change your life. With a full set of teeth, you can finally enjoy those hard to chew foods you’ve had to avoid. Not only that, but if you’ve been shying away from the camera because of missing teeth, dentures can renew your confidence in a way nothing else can.
Choosing dentures can have a huge positive impact on your life; in fact, you can read patient testimonials here from countless happy patients out of our denture clinic in Surrey.
However, adjusting to your new dentures can take time, and challenges may arise. Read on to learn about some common problems with new dentures and some steps you can take to prevent or alleviate them.
Adjusting to Soreness
Some discomfort is normal and expected right after receiving your new dentures. It can take a few days or even up to a week for your gums to adjust to the friction from your dentures, but any pain should disappear with time. While you’re getting used to them, try rinsing your mouth with salt and warm water to alleviate pain. Over the counter pain relievers are also advised. If the pain is persistent for more than a week, call your doctor and let them know. Your dentures may have to be adjusted or there may be an underlying cause, such as an infection, that’s causing the pain.
Difficulty Eating and/or Speaking
Many patients have difficulty with these simple tasks while they’re adjusting to having something in their mouths. It can be frustrating at first, but over time your mouth muscles will adjust, and you will find yourself speaking and eating normally again.
The best way to get used to speaking with your dentures is simply to practice speaking. It might be embarrassing at first, so reach out to close friends and family and ask them to practice speaking with you. You could also find countless videos on YouTube that can show you simple exercises you can do to help you get used to speaking with dentures. It may take time, so be patient and persistent.
Eating certain foods might be off-limits when you first receive your dentures, because your gums need a chance to heal. Avoid foods that are sticky, hard, or excessively hot. As your mouth heals and you get used to chewing with dentures, you can work your way back up to enjoying the same foods you used to, maybe even some you had to avoid before you got dentures.
Slipping Dentures
Your dentures are held in place by the muscles in your mouth, and before you get used to wearing them it is common for them to slip, especially during eating and speaking. The best way to deal with this is to be patient; it might not seem like it, but eventually your mouth muscles will adjust, and you will be able to get back to a normal life without having to worry about your teeth slipping.
If, however, several weeks have gone by and your dentures are still slipping, consider using a denture adhesive or make an appointment at your denture clinic, as they may need to be readjusted.
Excessive Drooling
At first, you are going to be producing much more saliva than before you got your dentures. This is because your mouth is ‘confused’; it thinks that your dentures are food or a foreign object that needs to be flushed out, so your saliva glands are working overtime to try and push them out. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to prevent it. Just be prepared to deal with it; the problem will go away on its own.
Obviously, there’s lots to consider before deciding to get dentures. Click here to browse our FAQ page and get answers from a professional denture clinic in Surrey.
If, however, you’re ready to book a consult, click here to schedule an appointment at True Fit Denture centre, one of the leading denture clinics here in Surrey.
