Eventually, many denture wearers report being able to eat most, if not all, of the foods that they ate before. However, there is an adjustment process that needs to take place. Dentures are foreign objects, and both the mouth and the brain need time to get used to the new sensations. Patients should try to take things slowly at first, eating foods that do not pose a particular challenge before trying to go back to old habits.
People with new dentures should avoid foods that are particularly hard or chewy at first. Examples include raw vegetables, crackers and red meat. Instead, people should initially stick with soft foods that do not require a lot of chewing:
Foods like these can provide the necessary nutrients without putting stress on the jaw muscles or compromising the gums, which may still be tender after recently having teeth removed.
New dentures can cause irritation or sores on the gums. These should eventually resolve with time, but spicy foods could cause stinging or burning and should be avoided. It is also important to avoid holding liquids in the mouth while eating or the bottom plate could become loose. Dentures can insulate the gums from extreme temperatures, so patients should test foods against the lips and avoid eating anything that is too hot.
Some patients report that they can no longer taste foods as before after first getting dentures. This is normal and usually temporary. There are so many new sensations in the mouth due to the dentures that the nerves get overloaded and the taste of food gets lost in the shuffle.
New dentures can affect patients in other ways not directly related to eating. Dentures can cause the mouth to feel fuller than usual, with a sensation that the lips are protruding forward. This is an exaggerated feeling due to the newness of the dentures. Eventually, adjustment takes place, and the feeling goes away.
Patients sometimes notice the lower denture moving around or raising when speaking, sometimes accompanied by a clicking sound. The cheeks, lips and tongue all have a role to play in holding the lower denture in place, but this is a skill that takes practice. Speaking more slowly, at least at first, helps patients to learn how to use the muscles effectively while speaking to hold the lower plate in the mouth.
A new denture also changes the way that one perceives the sound of one's own speaking voice. It amplifies the sound of one's voice in a way that one is not used to. However, other people barely perceive the change, if at all.
One may also notice increased saliva production in one's mouth after first receiving new dentures. This is a normal reaction to having a foreign object in one's mouth and will decrease with time.
For most people, life with dentures eventually goes back to normal. However, there is a period of adjustment that needs to take place first.
Request an appointment here: https://www.drelloway.com or call Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc at (530) 527-6777 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Denture in Red Bluff, CA.
A tooth replacement procedure is vital if you are missing teeth. You will be happy to know that there are multiple options available to restore your smile. If you are missing a few or many teeth but have healthy natural teeth remaining, partial dentures make a lot of sense. This solution can improve your appearance…
Removable artificial teeth are called dentures. They replace permanent teeth lost or extracted due to damage or extensive decay. False teeth are a traditional dental restoration method that has been around for centuries and is still effective today. However, there are things you need to know about them before you start wearing them.Your dentist can…
A set of dentures is a tooth replacement solution for people who have lost one or more teeth. It enhances the look of teeth while also restoring their function. Read on to learn more about how dentures are used for restoring lost teeth and gums.The number of missing teeth on the jaw determines the sort…
All denture wearers know how terrifying it can be to drop them on the floor, sink, or another surface. After all, dentures are breakable and cost quite a bit of money because they are designed to fit your mouth and no one else’s. Fortunately, many dental offices repair dentures. Here are some details on what…
Dental implants are effective, long-lasting artificial teeth. Implants are surgically attached to the jawbone to look and function like natural teeth. As a result, patients can chew, talk, and laugh without worrying about dentures slipping. They also improve oral health. This article explores when and why to get implants and the qualifying factors for treatment.Patients…
A denture repair should be your top priority when your denture breaks or becomes damaged. This prosthetic device fills out all the empty spaces in your mouth. It is crucial to care for your denture since the missing teeth can compromise your eating habits, speech, and appearance. This dental device is durable enough to handle…