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Adapting to Dentures: Tips and Tricks from EGil Dental Experts

Are you considering getting a set of dentures? Though it may feel like a daunting experience, nearly 20 million Americans are currently living with some form of dentures. At EGil’s Dental, we understand that adapting to dentures can be challenging, so we want to provide you with some valuable tips and tricks for navigating this new stage in your oral health.

Whether you’re in need of partial or full dentures, it’s essential to understand that your commitment to maintenance and care is crucial. There are a few simple changes you can make to your oral hygiene routine to ensure your dentures stay in the best condition.

Step 1: Be Mindful of What You Eat

Eating with dentures can be a bit tricky. Always make sure to take smaller bites and chew slowly when first starting with your dentures. Start out with soft foods, such as yogurt, scrambled eggs, and fish. Steer away from stickier, tougher foods like caramel, nuts, and chips, as they can be more difficult to chew. Eventually, you may be able to build up to more challenging foods over time.

Step 2: Care for Your Dentures

Properly caring for your dentures is key. Make sure to remove your dentures everyday to clean them. Efficient denture cleaning requires using a brush with soft bristles and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Steer clear from using whiteners and bleaching agents, as they can damage and discolor your dentures. When you’re not wearing your dentures, soak them in a denture cleaning solution to keep them well-maintained.

Step 3: Practice Good Oral Hygiene

While dentures have replaced the need for your natural teeth, it’s important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Continue to brush your gums and tongue daily to maintain a healthy mouth. It’s also a good idea to brush your remaining natural teeth and floss regularly. This is also a great excuse to visit the dentist more often for check-ups to ensure your oral health is in optimal condition.

Step 4: Speak Clearly and Confidently

It’s completely normal for you to experience difficulty speaking when you first start wearing your dentures, though that will quickly subside with time. Practice talking at home by reading out loud or over pronouncing words to ensure you confidently speak with your new set of dentures. If the issue continues to persist, speak to your dentist about a possible fitting issue.

Step 5: Socialize for Support

Adjusting to a new set of dentures is easier if you can lean on loved ones for support. Reach out to friends and family members who might have had a similar experience and can offer understanding, reassurance, and advice. Local support groups are also available that can provide guidance and necessary resources to make your denture transition feel a bit more manageable.

Step 6: Stay Positive

Every new experience takes a bit of time to become a welcomed part of your daily routine, so it’s important to stay positive. Make a conscious effort to be patient and flexible as you adapt to your new dentures. Practice deep breathing techniques or meditation to help manage any stress and anxiety you may be experiencing and remember that millions of people around the world are living full and healthy lives with dentures.

At EGil’s Dental, our team of expert professionals are dedicated to helping our patients navigate the process of getting dentures. We want our patients to feel supported and informed as they embark on this new stage of their oral health. For more information and insight into adapting to dentures, feel free to reach out to us for regular updates and resources.