Embarking on the journey to wearing dentures for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Many of our Perth denture patients report significantly enhanced quality of life with improved ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. However, the adjustment period can come with its own set of challenges and surprises.
At Total Denture Care Perth, you can rest assured your health and wellbeing are our top priority when it comes to you and your dentures (or mouthguards), so you have nothing to fear.
To help guide you, here’s a comprehensive guide to the top five things you can expect as a first-time denture wearer.
1 – Initial Discomfort and Soreness
One of the first things new denture wearers notice is some degree of discomfort and soreness. This is perfectly normal as your mouth adapts to the presence of a foreign object. The gums and tissues in your mouth need time to get used to the pressure and friction caused by the dentures.
In the first few days, you might experience sore spots where the dentures rub against your gums. Slight discomfort can be normal; however, severe pain can be due to ulceration, in which adjustments to the denture will need to be made. Rinsing your mouth with warm salty water and removing your denture can help manage this discomfort and generally will heal within a few days. It’s also crucial to follow up with your clinic, who can make necessary adjustments to ensure a better fit and minimize soreness. Remember, persistence is key—most people find that their discomfort subsides significantly within a couple of weeks.
Total Denture Care has a strong reputation for attention to detail and excellent quality, Australian-made dentures which results in better fitting, more comfortable solutions. Many of our patients are referrals from long term, happy customers and dentists.
2 – Changes in Eating Habits
Adjusting to eating with dentures is one of the most significant changes new users face. Initially, you may find it difficult to chew food thoroughly, and certain foods might seem off-limits. It’s best to start with soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and scrambled eggs. Cut your food into smaller pieces and chew slowly to prevent discomfort and ensure proper digestion.
Over time, as you become more accustomed to your dentures, you can gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods. However, be cautious with hard, sticky, or very hot foods, as they can damage your dentures or cause discomfort.
See more tips from the Total Denture Care team here.
3 – Speech Adjustments
Speaking clearly with new dentures takes practice. You might notice that your voice sounds different or that you have a slight lisp. This happens because your tongue and lips need time to adjust to the shape and size of the dentures.
To accelerate the adaptation process, practice speaking in front of a mirror or read aloud from a book. Focus on enunciating difficult words and sounds. Most denture wearers find that their speech returns to normal after a few weeks of practice.
4 – Increased Saliva Production
A common but temporary side effect of getting dentures is an increase in saliva production. Your mouth perceives the dentures as a foreign object and reacts by producing more saliva. This can make you feel like you need to swallow more frequently, but is a normal part of the adjustment process.
This heightened saliva production typically subsides within a few days to a couple of weeks as your mouth acclimates to the dentures. Staying hydrated and sipping water can help manage the excess saliva.
5 – Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
Maintaining good oral hygiene with dentures is crucial for both comfort and longevity. Unlike natural teeth, dentures require special cleaning to prevent staining, bad odors, and infections. You’ll need to clean your dentures daily using a soft denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser. Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be too harsh and damage the denture material.
Remember to also brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth to maintain overall oral health. Check out more denture cleaning tips here.
Transitioning to dentures is a significant step that can greatly improve your daily life, but it does come with an adjustment period. By understanding and preparing for initial discomfort, changes in eating and speaking, increased saliva production, and the importance of regular maintenance, you can navigate this transition more smoothly. With patience and practice, your dentures will soon feel like a natural part of your everyday life, helping you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Total Denture Care is an award-winning, family run practice with an outstanding reputation for quality, care and compassion. Read reviews from current patients here, and get in touch if you’d like to book a consultation to discuss your needs.
