Wearing Your Denture
- Wear the denture according to the schedule given by your dentist.
- If an immediate denture was placed after extractions, you may be told not to remove it until your first follow-up visit. Removing it too early can make it difficult to put back in as swelling develops.
- After the initial healing period, dentures are usually removed while sleeping so the gums can rest, unless your dentist gives you different instructions.
- Do not force the denture into place or bite down hard to seat it.
Eating With a New Denture
- Begin with soft foods cut into small pieces.
- Chew slowly and use both sides of your mouth at the same time. This helps keep the denture balanced.
- Avoid very sticky foods and hard or sharp foods until you have more control.
- Biting with the front teeth can tip the denture. Cut firmer foods into smaller pieces and chew with the back teeth when possible.
Speaking and Other Changes
- Your speech may sound different at first. Reading aloud and repeating difficult words helps your tongue adapt.
- Extra saliva is common during the first several days and should decrease as your mouth becomes accustomed to the denture.
- A feeling of fullness in the lips or cheeks is also common at first.
Cleaning Your Denture and Mouth
- Rinse the denture after meals to remove loose food.
- Brush it daily with a denture brush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser. Regular toothpaste can scratch the surface.
- Clean the denture over a folded towel or a sink partly filled with water so it is less likely to break if dropped.
- Do not use hot water because heat can change the shape of the denture.
- Brush your gums, tongue and roof of the mouth gently each day.
- Store the denture as directed when it is out of your mouth. Do not allow it to dry out.
Sore Spots and Adjustments
- Mild pressure and small sore areas can occur while your mouth adapts.
- Do not file, bend or repair the denture yourself. Small changes can significantly affect the fit.
- Contact us for an adjustment if an area remains sore. Our office may ask you to wear the denture for a few hours before the visit so the pressure spot can be identified.
- Use denture adhesive only as directed. Adhesive should not be used to compensate for a denture that no longer fits properly.
When to Contact Us
Please contact our office if:
- A sore area is significant or does not improve after adjustment.
- The denture becomes very loose, repeatedly slips or makes chewing difficult.
- Your bite feels uneven or the denture causes persistent gagging.
- The denture cracks, breaks or loses a tooth.
Continue regular dental visits even when you no longer have natural teeth. The fit of the denture and the health of the gums, tongue and other oral tissues still need to be checked.
Beaird Family Dental
Poplar Bluff: (573) 778-0200 · Dexter: (573) 624-8005
This guide was written and reviewed by Dr. Justin Shaw, DMD.
Last reviewed, .