Handle Your Dentures Carefully
Dentures are fragile, so it's important to stand over a towel or a sink filled with water while handling them. Doing this will help you avoid dropping your dentures on a hard surface, which may cause them to break.
Practice Chewing and Speaking
If your dentures feel uncomfortable while chewing and speaking, you may be tempted to use a denture adhesive. But with practice, you may not need it. Start by chewing small pieces of soft food on both sides of your mouth, and gradually build up to chewing larger pieces of hard food. Using the muscles in your cheeks and tongue will eventually become second nature -- and can greatly improve how your dentures feel while chewing. To practice speaking, read out loud often. After time, any difficulty that you have pronouncing certain words will fade away.
Avoid Denture Repair Kits
Even if the damage seems minimal, you should visit your dentist right away if your dentures break, crack or chip, or if one of the teeth becomes loose. Don't use a do-it-yourself denture repair kit; doing so may cause irreparable damage.
Get Your Dentures Relined Regularly
Changes in gum and bone structure occur throughout your lifetime, and will eventually cause your dentures to become loose. Ill-fitting dentures can cause sores and infection, and may make chewing and speaking more difficult. If this happens, see your dentist for a denture reline. A denture reline will resurface your dentures for a better fit and feel, and is usually necessary every three years.
Have Your Dentures Remade Every 5-7 Years
Over time, your dentures will become less effective due to normal wear and facial growth. Getting your dentures remade every 5-7 years can help you avoid changes in your facial appearance, which may be difficult to correct if you wait too long.
If you have more questions about denture dental care, talk to your dentist. If you don't have one, let us help you a dentist you'll love!
