Having to get a denture for the first time can be stressful and a bit of an unknown. Here we will cover some basic facts on what to expect and how to care for your new denture. A denture can be used as a temporary or permanent solution to a missing tooth or in fact several teeth. As a temporary device it is used to replace a tooth after an extraction to allow healing before a fixed prosthesis can be constructed.
Early days
Immediately after insertion it may feel big and bulky. This is very normal and usually this feeling dissipates after a couple of days. A new denture may pinch at the beginning and if this continues or an ulcer forms return to the dentist for this area of the denture to be eased.
Eating with denture
Eating in the early days after getting the dentures may be awkward. You may feel a change in the taste of your food. Eating will take more time initially. Don’t worry this will go back to normal when you get used to the denture.
Speaking
Speech can be affected for up to a week after getting them. It’s not unusual to trip up on certain words or slur slightly. Again, this will go back to normal and the author recommends reading out loud to one’s self often in the first week to aid and quicken the transition period.
Adhesive
Denture adhesive can be used to aid retention of a new plate. When using adhesive only a small amount should be used in fine lines and “blobs” of adhesive should be avoided. For more information take a look at https://www.boots.ie/sitesearchsearchTerm=denture%20adhesive
Care/cleaning
- Remove dentures after eating and rinse them clean
- Clean teeth and tongue with a soft toothbrush after removing dentures
- You should clean dentures at least daily with a soft brush and a mild denture solution to remove plaque/food
- Don’t leave dentures lying around as they are prone to be lost or broken
- Leave dentures out at night
- Soak your dentures overnight either in water or in a mild denture solution
- Always rinse dentures in the morning before putting them back in your mouth to remove any solution off them.
Things to avoid with dentures
- Bleach containing products as these will discolour the denture
- Abrasive cleaning solutions and hard toothbrushes
- Whitening toothpastes as these can be very abrasive
- Cleaning with boiling or very hot water
If you need to discuss any of this contact us on 0214205569 or https://www.shandondental.ie/contact-us/