How to Adjust to Life with Dentures

April 10, 2023
Set of upper and lower Fort Pierce dentures

Wearing Fort Pierce dentures for the first time can be challenging. Speaking and chewing can feel weird and uncomfortable. Since it’s a foreign object, your mouth needs time to become accustomed to it. Some challenges people encounter with dentures are difficulty pronouncing certain words and feeling bulkiness when speaking.

But don’t let these temporary inconveniences stop you from having a beautiful and functional smile. With patience and practice, your mouth will adjust, allowing you to speak and chew without discomfort. 

Sets of partial and full dentures in Fort Pierce 

Tips That Will Help You Get Used to Your New Dentures

Eating 

One of the challenges denture wearers face is eating. Chewing and swallowing food can be difficult, and some foods may be off-limits. However, with some practice, you can learn to eat comfortably with your dentures.

  • Dentists recommend starting with soft foods. Examples of soft foods that are easy to chew are soups, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually add firmer foods, such as cooked vegetables, rice, and fish.
  • To make chewing easier, cut your food into small, bite-sized pieces. This will help you chew more thoroughly and reduce the risk of choking.
  • Take your time when chewing and eating. Don’t rush or try to swallow large pieces of food. Instead, take small bites and chew slowly and thoroughly.
  • Sticky or crunchy foods, such as caramel, popcorn, and hard candy, can be difficult to eat with dentures. Also, they can potentially cause your denture to break or crack.

Speaking

Wearing dentures can also affect your ability to speak clearly. You may experience a lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain words. With practice, you can improve your speech and communicate more effectively.

  • To improve your speech, practice speaking aloud. Read books, articles, or poems out loud to yourself. This will help you get used to your dentures and improve your pronunciation.
  • When you’re speaking, take your time and speak slowly and clearly. This will help you enunciate your words more clearly and reduce the risk of slurring or mumbling.

Dentist in Fort Pierce making dentures

Need More Tips for Fort Pierce Dentures?

Adjusting to your new dentures can be difficult initially, but you will get used to them as time passes. With these helpful techniques, you can speak and chew comfortably with your new device. At Ricard Family Dentistry, we provide superior quality dental services to restore your smile and oral function. Contact us for an appointment