How to Make an Upper Denture More Comfortable
An upper denture replaces missing teeth on the upper arch of the mouth. Signs of an ill-fitting or uncomfortable denture include pain, irritated tissues, sores, fungal infections, eating problems or speaking difficulties. You should always consult with your dentist to explain the discomfort you are experiencing. The dentist can typically modify the shape of your denture to make it fit more comfortably, and as a denture wearer, it is important to keep regular dental appointments. However, you can take some measures to temporarily alleviate the discomfort.
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Things You'll Need
- Denture brush
- Denture-soaking solution
- Dry-mouth product
- Denture adhesive
Instructions
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Clean your denture after you eat a meal with a denture brush. You should also soak your denture in water or a denture solution at least three times a week.
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Brush and massage your soft tissues under your denture to keep them clean and stimulated daily. Brush most soft tissues with a standard toothbrush, and massage the soft tissue under your denture with your index finger.
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Rinse your mouth out with salt water to alleviate irritated or inflamed areas of your mouth.
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Use a dry-mouth product. Having enough saliva in your mouth is critical to denture comfort, and various medications contribute to dry mouth or xerostomia. If your mouth feels dry, buy a product at your local drugstore designed for dry mouth,
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Apply denture adhesive if your denture is not staying in place. This option should be a temporary solution until you can consult with a dental professional.
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Tips & Warnings
As dental technology progresses, viable alternatives to dentures are emerging. Keep this in mind as you consult with your dentist.
Even if you are not experiencing discomfort but notice sores, lesions or fungal growth in your mouth, notify your dentist.
Be patient. If you are a new denture wearer, it may take time to get used to wearing your denture. It may take practice eating with new dentures, so start initially with soft foods and avoid overly hard or sticky foods. Speaking and pronunciation may take time to feel normal as well. Notify your dentist if over time it still remains difficult to eat or speak.
Never soak your denture in bleach if your denture has any metal parts.
Never put your denture in boiling water.
References
- Photo Credit upper teeth in close up image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com
