Dentures in Fort Lauderdale are considered a crucial solution for tooth loss. However, modern dentures – also known as “false teeth” – are no longer the same as those used in the past.
Rather than looking like a separate contraption placed inside the mouth, modern false teeth look more like wearer’s original choppers and are more comfortable to wear. Unless closely inspected, the difference between the remaining natural teeth and dentures is barely noticeable.
If you’re wearing dentures for the first time, it pays to know the five most common issues people using dentures face and how you can solve them.
1. Eating Challenges
Eating with dentures takes some practice. After getting your first set, you might experience difficulty consuming food you’re used to eating.
Sometimes, the dentures may slip out or get skewed, mostly when you chew or bite down. When eating foods like seeds and nuts, some might get stuck underneath your dentures.
To overcome these issues while getting used to eating with your new choppers, stick to soft foods, like eggs and yogurt. You can also cut these into smaller pieces for easier chewing.
To keep your dentures stable, chew with both sides of your mouth simultaneously. As much as possible, avoid eating or drinking sticky foods and beverages. Remember to chew your food slowly.
With practice, you will eventually overcome these challenges and become more confident in eating with your dentures. In fact, there will come a time that you’ll be able to eat most foods you were able to enjoy before getting them.
2. Speaking Problems
Besides eating, you may also find speaking difficult after getting your first set of dentures. But, like chewing, you’ll also get used to having false teeth in your mouth and talk as you normally did before.
Often, the issue is rooted in the way dentures feel like foreign objects in the mouth. This may interfere with speech, particularly in forming the correct sounds. But tempting as it may be, removing your false teeth during these situations is counterproductive.
Instead, practice speaking with your new dentures. If you’re not confident enough to do so with people around, do this when you’re alone. Read a book aloud, sing along to your favorite song, or talk to yourself until you feel more comfortable with the movement while wearing your dentures.
You can also speak more slowly when around other people.
The secret? Keep doing it until you get used to the feeling of the dentures in your mouth. Remember: Practice makes perfect.
3. Dentures Slippage
When they’re new, dentures can slip out of position, even if you’re not eating or talking. This can happen even when you just laugh, smile, or cough because you are still getting used to the feeling of having the oral appliances in your mouth.
Sometimes, slippage can also lead to irritated or sore gums, making your usual daily actions uncomfortable. If this happens, bite down and swallow to reposition your dentures. In time, you will eventually learn how to hold them in place with just your cheeks and tongue muscles.
Until then, you may use denture adhesives to keep your false teeth in place. If it doesn’t get better after some time, consider seeing your dentist in Fort Lauderdale and have your dentures adjusted into a snugger fit.
4. Cleaning Issues
Although they may look exactly like your remaining natural teeth, dentures require a different cleaning method, which may take some time to get used to.
Rather than just brushing them in your mouth, you would need to take them out and clean them separately. Some products are also better for false teeth than others.
To prevent damage to dentures from improper cleaning, take time to learn and follow these best practices:
Choose the right cleaning products
Denture cleaning should be done daily. But as you brush your natural teeth with regular toothpaste, you need to take your false teeth out to ensure that they don’t get damaged.
You see, your average toothpaste is a bit too abrasive and may scratch your dentures. This is why dentists recommend using a denture cleaner or, at least, a mild dishwashing liquid or hand soap.
Be careful when handling them to prevent damage
Since you’ll be cleaning your dentures outside your mouth, you have to be careful when handling them. Avoid dropping them as this can lead to cracks, nicks, and chips that may cause gum irritation and soreness.
To be safe, clean your dentures over the sink covered with a towel that can cushion them if they fall. You can also fill the sink up with water to achieve the same effect.
Soak them properly
Dentures can be removed from time to time. When doing so, remember to soak them in cool water or a denture cleaning solution. This should prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle.
If you have dentures with metal attachments, you must be extra careful. Ask your dentist for the right soaking solution as some products can tarnish the metal component.
Also, avoid using hot water when soaking as it could warp your dentures.
Brush correctly
When brushing your false teeth, you need to use a denture brush (not your regular soft-bristled toothbrush). Do it as gently as possible to avoid damage to both the plastic and metal parts (if any).
Don’t forget to clean your mouth
Before putting the dentures back into your mouth, you have to ensure that it is clean. Follow proper brushing techniques before reinserting your dentures to prevent plaque and maintain good oral health.
5. Infections
When you get your first dentures, you might also experience mouth infections from improper wearing and denture care. This includes:
Stomatitis
This infection is caused by yeast accumulation in the moist areas of the mouth, which can occur if the dentures you wear don’t fit properly.
Stomatitis symptoms aren’t obvious. But when they are noticeable, they can come in the form of small red bumps on the roof of the mouth or overall mouth redness (particularly the portion under the upper dentures).
Cheilitis
Also caused by yeast accumulation, this infection comes with inflammation and cracking along the corners of the mouth. Like stomatitis, this condition can be prevented by ensuring that your dentures fit snugly. It also helps to avoid rubbing or licking the susceptible parts of the mouth.
Eat, Speak, and Smile Confidently
Eating, speaking, and even smiling can be awkward and challenging with new dentures. If it’s your first time wearing these dental appliances, remember this information regarding the common issues you might face and how you can overcome them.
