How to Stop Rubbing the Tongue Against Dentures
Getting dentures is a big step, and it can take awhile for your mouth to get used to them. You may find yourself exploring the new teeth with your tongue, eventually forming a painful habit called tongue thrusting that could result in blisters or lead to other oral illnesses like frictional hyperkeratosis. Breaking the habit of rubbing your tongue against your dentures won't be easy, but there are things you can put into practice to help you stop rubbing.
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Instructions
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Practice speaking and eating with your new dentures so they become a familiar part of your mouth. One of the reasons you rub your tongue is because you want to explore the changes in your mouth. Getting used to your dentures by learning how to live with them will help you break the habit of rubbing.
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Tire out your tongue with exercises. Push your tongue against the roof of your mouth, pressing the entire length of it. While doing this, open your mouth, still holding the tongue in place. Hold it there until it becomes tired. Repeat this exercise when you catch yourself rubbing your dentures with your tongue.
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Chew non-stick, sugarless gum or suck on a piece of sugarless candy. If you are chewing gum or sucking candy, this will keep your mouth busy and prevent you from rubbing your tongue against your dentures.
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Form a new habit by setting up a demerit system for each time you catch yourself rubbing your tongue. Every time you catch yourself, put a quarter in a safe jar, and watch how quickly it accumulates.
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Visit your dentist and ask him to look at your dentures to make sure there are no loose pieces or bumpy ridges sticking out that might be drawing your tongue's attention to the spot. If he does discover something, they should be able to file down the area and repair the dentures, giving you nothing to rub against.
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