If you wear dentures, you’ve probably occasionally complained about them. False teeth are notoriously hard to get used to, but you never have to ‘withstand’ pain or discomfort. Here are a few common issues you may be having with your dentures and how to solve them.

Speaking while wearing prosthetic teeth- Have fun with it!

Difficulty speaking with their dentures on is the number one complaint among those who wear them. This issue is resolved easily. To begin with, read aloud from your favourite book or newspaper while you’re wearing them. You can also choose to say something you’re used to saying- perhaps a speech you make often, or a dialogue you like saying! Practice saying these things in front of the mirror. Doing this will help you get used to talking. It will also make you familiar with what shape of your mouth makes what sound.

If you have difficulty ‘s’ or ‘f’ sounds, try practising a tongue twister in front of the mirror daily.
For example, for ‘f’ sounds, try saying- “Fair is foul and foul is fair” repeatedly in front of the mirror.
A classic example of a tongue twister for ‘s’ and ‘sh’ sounds is- “She sells seashells on the seashore”.
These tongue twisters are easy to find and super fun to say!
At first, your muscles may try to unseat your dental prosthesis when you speak. They just need time to adjust, and the more you practice speaking, the easier it will get, and your muscles will get used to it!

Eating with your dentures – Slow and steady wins the race

You may find it difficult to eat with your dentures on. To begin with, try eating only soft foods. This will help you get used to having food in your mouth with the prosthetic. Do this for the first 24-48 hours of getting your dentures. Try not to remove your dentures when you eat as this will defeat the purpose of getting them!

You can gradually incorporate solid foods like rotis and vegetables. Make sure you chew your food on both sides. chewing your food only from one side can cause the denture to become unstable and keep lifting from the other side. You can cut your food into small pieces before chewing to make this easier. You can eat coarser and stickier foods like pizza and candies when you get used to eating with them.

If you’re experiencing blandness or reduced taste, this is because your taste buds are overpowered by your prosthetic. This will go away with time, just like your nose gets used smells over time! Remember that step by step is key- you end up achieving less if you’re in a hurry, so take your time!

Retention- Don’t let them slip!

If you’re having difficulty keeping your dentures in your mouth, this is mainly because your muscles are not used to having them in the mouth. You may feel a fullness in the mouth, or your tongue may be oddly pressing against your upper denture. This is completely normal and healthy. Your body will always try to reject any foreign objects invading its space!

Practice talking, eating and going about your normal day with your denture on. Coughing may easily unseat your denture- cover your mouth when you cough to avoid this, and avoid spreading germs!
You can also use denture adhesive creams or powders to help the prosthetic hold onto the tissues in your mouth. Try not to use these all the time, and get your mouth used to them as is!

Sore Spots

Sore spots can be caused if you aren’t eating properly. New dentures may cause gum irritations, soreness and pain. Stop using your dentures for a couple of days and visit your dentist as soon as you can. You can try home remedies too. Simply apply a mixture of turmeric, honey and ghee.

Remember to distribute the weight of your food all over the teeth, and not put pressure on a particular point. This can also happen if theydon’t fit properly. Sore sports may be normal but lesions or wounds are not. Visit your dentist immediately in this case!

Cleaning your dentures

Make sure you follow your dentist’s instructions to the T when you clean your dentures. Look out of thin films on them as this may a yeast infection!
Brush prosthetic daily using mild soap and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Always store your dentures in water or in denture solutions. Treat your dentures gently and they will be gentle on you!


Your dentist will never expect you to withstand pain or discomfort with your dentures. Minor adjustments are generally made to dental prosthetics to make them more customized to you. If you invest this time in your dentures and your dentist, you will be that much more comfortable with them! Make sure you go for all follow-up visits to your dentist.
Dentures can help turn your life around- from speaking better to being able to digest food better to looking younger! Give yourself some time to get used to dentures; you’ll end up loving them!

The bottom line

Remember its not easy to adjust and cope up with new dentures. After all, artificial teeth are false teeth and they cannot completely replace your original teeth functions. Do not stop wearing your dentures as there are different scenarios related to not wearing them. The key is to have patience and seek denture counselling by your dentist as and when you need it and remember to take care of your dentures.

1. Practice speaking or reading the newspaper out loud . Talking with a lisp is normal while getting used to new dentures.
2. Correct slipping dentures. Your dentures will slip occasionally when you sneeze, cough, laugh, or smile.
3. Always keep your dentures either in your mouth or immersed in water. Do not let your dentures dry out.
4. Brush your dentures with denture cleaning aids preferably.
5. Clean your gums to improve oral hygiene and avoid susceptible fungal infections.
6. Massage your gums regularly to improve the blood circulation and avoid gum irritations.

Highlights

• Dentures may be hard to get used to- but they are worth the investment.
• Have fun while you practice speaking with dental prosthetics on!
• Take your food in step by step- there’s no need to hurry. And remember to chew your food on both sides.
• Sore sports may be normal but lesions or wounds are not- visit your dentist in case of either.
• Dentures can really help turn your life around- give them a chance!