What You Should Know About Dentures

If you’ve recently gotten dentures or are considering taking the plunge, you should know that they might take some getting used to. Dentures are a great replacement for missing teeth, and our Bloomfield Hills, MI denture dentist can make sure the fit is just right before sending you on your way. Here are 5 tips to help you adjust to your new smile.

Practice Speaking

Talking with a lisp is normal while getting used to new dentures. It will take some time for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to get used to speaking around a new oral appliance. We recommend keeping a running list of words that give you difficulty. Later, you’ll be able to practice these words so you can get used to speaking while wearing dentures.

Once you get used to your full or partial dentures, the lisp will disappear. We recommend reading out loud from one of your favorite books in the meantime.

Correct Slippage

Your dentures will slip occasionally when you sneeze, cough, laugh, or smile. When you feel your dentures slipping, gently bite down and swallow. Doing this will help you discretely adjust your dentures while in public.

If you notice your dentures slipping more than usual, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with our family dentist as soon as possible. We’ll be able to adjust the fit of your dentures so they look natural and fit comfortably.

Don’t Let Your Dentures Dry Out

When your dentures aren’t in your mouth, they should be submerged in a glass of water or cleanser. While natural teeth are constantly bathed in saliva, you’ll need to make sure you never let your full or partial dentures dry out lest they crack and warp.

Brush Your Dentures Every Day

Brush denture teeth like you would natural ones. If you have partial dentures, you’ll need to make sure you also take care of the remaining teeth in your smile by brushing twice a day and flossing once daily.

If you don’t brush your dentures, bacteria will build up on the surface and give you bad breath. Neglecting denture care can also discolor or stain your false teeth. Our dentist will make sure you understand how to care for your new dentures before leaving our office so you can take control of your oral health.

Take Care of Your Gums

Even if you have full dentures, it’s important that you brush your gums. Otherwise, food particles and plaque will build up on the surface of your gums and increase your risk of gingivitis. While gingivitis is reversible, the same can’t be said once it progresses into periodontal disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 47.2% of Americans age 30 and older have periodontal disease. Don’t be one of them.

Since your dentures sit on top of your gums, you’ll want to do everything you can to avoid gingivitis and periodontal disease. We recommend using a toothbrush with soft bristles to help stimulate gums and keep them healthy.

Dr. Timothy Steimel is a denture dentist in Bloomfield Hills, MI. To request an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for dentures, call Bloomfield Hills Dental Group of Bloomfield Hills at (248) 335-4427.