Getting dentures can be a life-changing improvement to your daily comfort and confidence—but there’s a learning curve involved. Whether you’ve received full or partial dentures, knowing how to care for them properly will help you protect your investment, avoid irritation, and keep your smile in great shape for years to come.
Here’s what patients often ask us about adjusting to life with dentures—and what habits support long-term success.
6 TIPS FOR ADJUSTING TO LIFE WITH DENTURES
Many patients ask what to expect after receiving their dentures. While everyone’s experience is a little different, these tips can make the transition much easier and more comfortable:
- Start with Soft Foods
Stick to softer options like mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and cooked vegetables while you get used to chewing. Cut foods into smaller pieces and chew slowly, using both sides of your mouth to maintain balance. As you progress to denser food learn to chew on both sides of the mouth at the same time. By doing this you actually stabilize the denture so it is less likely to tip and get lose. The best way to start is to take a normal bite size of chicken (for example), cut it into 2 smaller pieces, put both on the fork and then bring both into your mouth and practice getting one piece on the right and one on the left. Chew slowly at first to get your muscles to figure out what to do. It’s likely riding a bike, once you figure it out you really don’t think about it again.
- Practice Speaking at Home
It’s common for your speech to feel a little different at first. Reading out loud or talking with friends can help you adjust faster. Within a few weeks, most patients find that their normal speech returns naturally.
- Follow a Consistent Cleaning Routine
Dentures need daily care to prevent plaque buildup and maintain freshness. Brush your dentures with a soft-bristle brush, rinse them after meals, and soak them overnight in a denture cleaner unless you have implant-supported options that stay in your mouth.
- Keep Your Gums Healthy
Even with full dentures, your gum tissue still needs care. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and palate each day to stimulate circulation and reduce bacteria buildup. This helps prevent soreness and infection.
- Remove Dentures at Night
Taking dentures out while you sleep gives your gums a chance to rest and prevents discomfort. Soaking them overnight also keeps them moist and prevents warping.
- Schedule Regular Checkups
Dentures may need occasional adjustments as your mouth naturally changes over time. We’ll check the fit, look for signs of irritation, and make sure everything is functioning well at your follow-up visits.
These simple habits will help extend the life of your dentures while keeping your mouth clean, comfortable, and healthy.
WHEN TO CONTACT OUR OFFICE FOR A FOLLOW-UP
Even with proper care, it’s important to know when your dentures need a little extra attention. If something doesn’t feel quite right, we’re here to help.
Give us a call if you notice any of the following:
- Sore spots or irritation that doesn’t go away
- A loose or shifting denture fit
- Difficulty eating or speaking after the first couple of weeks
- Cracks, chips, or damage to your denture
- Persistent bad breath despite regular cleaning
Some minor issues can be corrected quickly in-office. Don’t try to adjust dentures on your own—bringing them to us ensures a safe, effective fix.
Staying ahead of small problems prevents bigger issues and helps you enjoy the best fit and comfort long-term.
LET’S KEEP YOUR SMILE WORKING ITS BEST
Your dentures are designed to make daily life better, and with the right care, they can do just that. Whether you’re brand new to wearing dentures or you’re adjusting after a recent appointment, our team is here to support you through every stage of care.
We’ll make sure everything is working as it should—so you can focus on smiling, eating, and speaking with confidence.
