Once you receive your new set of dentures, expect to continue a normal dental care routine as your adjust to speaking and eating with them. If you have questions or concerns, your dentist is always there to help you.
Deciding that it is time for you to get dentures is a life-changing moment that your Little Rock dentist will help you make and prepare for. Then, for the rest of your life, your dentist will be there to help you adjust to and take care of your new smile. While it is certainly normal and expected that your mouth will feel a little strange, if you are in any pain, let your dentist know so they can shift your dentures more comfortably and offer you other oral health care advice.
Oral Discomfort
Do not be surprised if for the first few days after you receive your dentures that your tongue, lips, and even cheeks feel like they are rubbing up uncomfortably against them. This can occur no matter which type of dentures you received.
However, if you have noticed that you have ulcers or irritation on your inner cheeks, lips, or tongue, you may need to contact your Little Rock dentist. In fact, your dentist will like recommend that you book your next appointment as soon as 24 hours after first receiving your dentures for minor adjustments.
Speaking Difficulties
As you adjust to wearing your dentures, expect to experience a period of speaking difficulties. Since you have a new addition to your mouth, your speech is likely to be altered for at least a few weeks. This problem will resolve itself as your mouth eventually gets used to the dentures. To speed up the process, feel free to speak to your family and friends as much as possible until you adjust.
Eating Adjustments
You may also have a difficult time eating for a while after getting dentures, so anticipate adjusting your diet. Eat soft foods in small quantities, taking little bites and shifting the food from one side of the mouth to the other as you chew. As you get more comfortable, add back in more difficult-to-eat foods you enjoy. Do not favor one side of the mouth while chewing so your whole mouth can adjust to what eating is now like with your new dentures.
Choosing Adhesives for Your Dentures
If you want to use adhesives to keep your dentures in your mouth, feel free to ask your Little Rock dentist about which kind would work best for you. You will also have to clean the adhesive residue on your dentures differently depending on the type of adhesive you choose. Several types are available, including the following options:
- Liquid
- Strips
- Wafers
- Powders
- Creams
Basic Denture Care
Your dentures must be cared for just like natural teeth, meaning that you need to brush and floss them at least twice a day. You can choose to keep your dentures in your mouth or take them out when you brush them. Use your toothbrush on your roof of your mouth, your inner cheeks, and your gums too, going as gently as possible when you do. Make sure that your toothbrush has soft bristles so you do not scratch your dentures or cause irritations in your mouth. If you remove your dentures to brush them, rinse them off before returning them to your mouth.
If at any time you experience prolonged pain, feel as though your dentures have shifted, or accidentally break your dentures, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. You also should continue to visit your dentist at least once a year for normal checkups, especially if you need a denture repair. If you are ready for dentures or need help caring for your dentures in Little Rock, schedule an appointment with Arkansas Family Dental today by calling 501.683.8886.
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