Adjusting to new bottom dentures presents unique challenges. Unlike upper dentures that often rely on the palate for suction, lower dentures rest on a smaller gum ridge and must contend with constant tongue and cheek movement, making them inherently less secure. However, with time and the right strategies, individuals can learn to manage and comfortably integrate their new dentures into daily life.
Adjusting to Daily Activities
When first beginning to eat with new bottom dentures, start with soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, or well-cooked vegetables. Cutting food into small, manageable pieces and chewing slowly and evenly on both sides of the mouth helps distribute pressure and prevents the denture from tipping or dislodging. Gradually, firmer foods can be introduced as comfort and confidence improve.
Speaking with new dentures requires practice, as mouth and tongue muscles adapt to the new appliance. Reading aloud, repeating challenging words, and engaging in regular conversation can help retrain these muscles and improve articulation. Increased saliva production is a common temporary response; practicing swallowing helps manage this. Denture adhesives can play a supportive role, especially during the initial adjustment phase, by providing added stability and confidence for both eating and speaking. Proper application involves applying a thin, even layer to a clean, dry denture and pressing it firmly into place.
Maintaining oral hygiene and denture care is important for daily adjustment. Daily cleaning of dentures helps remove food particles and plaque, preventing bacterial buildup and maintaining oral health. Removing dentures overnight allows gum tissues to rest and promotes their health.
Addressing Common Discomforts
Sore spots and irritation are common as gums adjust to the pressure points of the denture. Temporary relief can be found by removing the dentures for short periods or rinsing the mouth with warm salt water. These sore spots often indicate areas requiring professional adjustment by a dentist to relieve pressure.
Looseness or shifting is common with lower dentures. This occurs because the lower jaw often has a flatter ridge compared to the upper jaw, and constant movement of the tongue and cheeks can easily dislodge the denture. While denture adhesives can offer temporary enhanced stability, they do not address underlying fit issues. Over time, bone resorption, a natural process where the jawbone shrinks after tooth loss, can also contribute to dentures feeling loose.
Some individuals may experience a gag reflex when wearing new dentures. This sensation diminishes as the mouth becomes accustomed to the denture. Focusing on deep breathing and gradually increasing wear time helps overcome this reflex. The adjustment period for new dentures varies among individuals, but consistency in wearing them and practicing daily functions is key to successful adaptation.
Knowing When to Contact Your Dentist
While many initial discomforts resolve with time, certain situations warrant contacting your dentist. Persistent sore spots that do not improve, worsen, or cause significant pain that interferes with eating require professional attention. These could indicate pressure points that need to be relieved through denture adjustments. Similarly, if basic functions like eating or speaking remain severely impaired after several weeks, a dental evaluation is necessary.
Significant looseness of the dentures, even with adhesives, suggests that the fit may be compromised. This can be due to changes in the mouth’s anatomy over time and may indicate a need for a reline, where the denture base is reshaped, or other adjustments. Any visible damage to the denture, such as chips, cracks, or breaks, should also prompt a visit to the dentist, as they can irritate the mouth or compromise function. Regular follow-up appointments are important for monitoring denture fit and making necessary adjustments.