Adjusting to Life with False Teeth: Denture Care, Comfort, and Lifestyle Tips

Adjusting to Life with False Teeth

Getting dentures or false teeth can be a big transition. While dentures aim to restore your smile and chewing ability, adapting to removable prosthetic teeth takes time. Managing a good fit, proper cleaning, and other lifestyle changes are key to successfully living with false teeth.

Caring for Your Dentures

Proper denture care and handling will help them last. Follow these tips:

• Rinse dentures after eating and brush them daily using a soft brush and cool water only.
• Use an effervescing (fizzy) denture cleaner daily to remove stains and kill bacteria.
• Remove and rinse dentures at night, giving your gums a rest from wearing them.
• Soak and thoroughly scrub dentures weekly using either a denture paste, solution, or dilute bleach soak.
• Handle dentures carefully while cleaning to avoid dropping or cracking them.
• Never use hot water, which can warp dentures over time.

Avoiding Damage to Dentures

It's easy to accidentally damage false teeth if you aren't careful:

• Don't let dentures dry out. Keep them moist when not being worn.
• Don't try adjusting dentures yourself if they feel loose.
• Protect dentures when playing sports by using a custom mouthguard.
• Be gentle cleaning around delicate clasps and wires if you have partial dentures.
• Don't sleep with dentures in place unless advised by your dentist.
• Use a soft bristled brush and proper cleaning solutions only.
• Transport dentures in water or an effervescing solution.

Dealing with Denture Discomfort and Irritation

Dentures can cause discomfort like:

• Gagging sensation
• Difficulty chewing or speaking normally
• Food trapping under the dentures
• Gums feeling sore or irritated
• Severe biting or clicking force on dentures
• Dentures feeling loose
• Bad breath even with good hygiene
• Excess saliva production

This adjusts with time. Have your dentist readjust the fit if problems persist. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits are a must.

Eating and Speaking with New Dentures

Patience is needed to relearn speaking and eating. Tips include:

• Practice speaking aloud to train your tongue and lips.
• Stick to soft, moist foods initially. Cut food into small pieces.
• Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth evenly.
• Don't try to chew gum or sticky candies which can dislodge dentures.
• Avoid very hot or hard foods which can loosen dentures.
• Eat a healthy diet to avoid dental plaque and stained teeth.
• Have replacements on hand in case of damage or loss.

Relining Dentures for Proper Fit

As the jawbone changes over time, dentures can become loose. Relining is needed to refit them:

• A soft reline resurfaces the denture intimately to the gum.
• A hard reline completely replaces the pink plastic base.
• Relining can be done in-office or with an at-home kit.
• The process takes a few visits and you'll use temporary dentures in between.
• Relining costs less than getting new dentures.
• How often you need relining depends on your oral health.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Dental implants can hugely improve denture stability and comfort. They involve:

• Surgically placing a few small titanium anchors in the jawbone.
• These integrate with the bone to become permanent artificial tooth roots.
• Custom dentures then snap onto these implants for a tight hold.
• Eating ability is enhanced without slippage.
• Implants stimulate bone growth helping prevent bone loss.
• Success rate of implants is very high when done properly.

For those who qualify, implants offer a great denture upgrade and renewed confidence.

Denture Care While Traveling

Don't let travel disrupt your denture routine. Follow these tips to stay comfortable on the go:

Pack Properly

Bring denture supplies like effervescent cleaner, adhesive, brush, pouches, repair kit, and night storage container. Transport dentures in water or solution.

Clean Dentures Consistently

Clean and disinfect dentures thoroughly each morning and night. Rinse after meals too. Bring disposable wipes or rinse with water after snacking.

Reapply Adhesive if Needed

Carry dental adhesive to quickly re-secure loose dentures. Moisten and reseat them properly if dislodged from talking or eating.

Be Gentle Removing Dentures

Grip dentures firmly by the front teeth when taking out. Don't tug on delicate clasps of partials. Place in water when storing.

Watch What You Eat

Avoid very hot, sticky, tough, or crunchy foods that can loosen dentures. Cut food into small chewable pieces.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of cool water to keep the mouth and throat moist. Dehydration worsens denture discomfort and retention issues.

With preparation, you can manage dentures confidently even while traveling. Maintaining diligent care prevents problems.

Lifestyle and Diet Changes With Dentures

Besides mouth care, making certain lifestyle adjustments helps dentures feel natural:

Quit Smoking

Smoking stains dentures, causes bad breath, and increases risk of oral cancer. Quitting improves gum health and denture fit.

Adapt Eating Habits

Go slowly transitioning to regular foods. Chew thoroughly with both sides. Cut harder items into small pieces. Avoid chewing gum.

Improve Oral Hygiene

Brush gums, tongue and palate daily. Use mouthwash. See your dentist regularly to ensure good oral health.

Moisten the Mouth

Stay well hydrated and consider a saliva substitute if your mouth feels dry. Proper moisture prevents friction.

Watch Alcohol Intake

Heavy alcohol consumption causes bone loss making dentures loose. It also stains dentures. Moderation is key.

Adapt Speech and Social Habits

Practice speaking daily to relearn clear pronunciation. Initially avoid very chewy foods in social settings until you adjust.

Wear Dentures Consistently

Don't abandon dentures if they feel awkward initially. Persistent daily wear trains your muscles and brain.

Avoid Irritants to Gums

Hot foods, tobacco, alcohol, citrus, and coarse crunchy foods can irritate the gums under dentures. Rinse with saltwater to soothe.

Outlook for Life with Dent

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.