• Wearing new dentures can be extremely difficult at first
• It will take time and perseverance to get used to them
• You should not expect too much from them too soon

Eating

• Initially cut your food into small pieces and don’t be too ambitious!
• Food will tend to trap underneath your dentures at first
• Try to leave the dentures in during meal times as much as possible and you will quickly get used to chewing with them in place

Speaking

• May be difficult for the first few days but will quickly improve

Cleaning

• Dentures should not be worn overnight
• They should be cleaned in the morning and night time using washing up liquid and a toothbrush
• You should clean any remaining teeth in your mouth while the dentures are removed with a separate toothbrush and toothpaste
• Your dentures should then be soaked overnight in either Milton or Sterident
• If your denture has metal pieces, leave it soaking in Corsodyl mouthwash (1 capful mixed with water.)

Looseness

• New dentures are often loose to begin with, especially the lower ones
• It will take time for the tongue and cheek muscles to get used to the shape of the new dentures.
• To help the dentures stay in place in the early stages, you can place a small drop of either fixadent or polygrip on each denture to help hold them in place until the muscles adapt.

Discomfort

• You can expect to experience some discomfort at first from your new dentures
• If the discomfort is mild, try to persevere with dentures as much as possible
• telephone the practice to arrange a new appointment
• try to wear the new dentures for at least 2 days before your appointment to help your dentures see where the dentures are rubbing.
• Use hot salt mouthwashes – 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in hot water – 3 times a day to help the ulcers heal up.

If you are concerned about your dentures or have any further questions, please call (01475) 741186 and ask to speak to a Dental Nurse