Three Unwanted Side Effects of Dentures and How to Fix Them
1. Diminished Sense of Taste
In the short-term, new denture wearers will likely experience some drop in their level of taste sensation. However, in time, it should return back to normal. Other causes of a diminished sense of taste with new dentures can include:
An overuse of denture adhesive
Food debris becoming stuck to your dentures and creating an unpleasant taste
Your upper-denture covering your upper hard palate, which contains the taste buds
Your taste buds coming into contact with the dentures constantly, making you taste denture plastic along with your food
How to combat this problem:
If you are wearing full/partial dentures and are experiencing some changes in your taste buds, there are some simple steps you can take to combat this problem. These include:
Keeping your dentures clean
Making sure your dentures fit correctly
Considering alternate tooth replacement options such as dental implants
2. Speech Difficulties
Experiencing speech problems due to a new set of dentures is very common, and will typically dissipate once you have gotten used to your new replacement teeth. These issues may include:
Lisping: Dentures are a foreign object that take up significant space in the mouth, causing it to generate more saliva. This excessive salivation typically leads to lisping.
Gargling speech: Your new dentures may move around a lot in your mouth due to excess salivation. As a result, some patients may find that they speak as if they are gargling or rinsing.
Whistling sounds: The front teeth part of the dentures tend to be positioned differently from natural teeth. It may take some time for you to find this new position with your tongue when forming words. For this reason, a whistling sound may appear when you speak.
Full mouth: When you wear dentures for the first time, it may feel as if you are speaking with a full mouth.
How to combat this problem:
In time, your dentures will begin to feel natural and your speech will return to normal. However, you can practice and speed up the process by reading aloud and repeating words you have trouble pronouncing. In addition, wearing a true denture adhesive will keep your replacement teeth from slipping and sliding, allowing you to speak without worry and obstruction. If these issues do not disappear as you get used to your new dentures, it is important to visit your denturist so that they can make the correct adjustments.
3. Difficulty Eating and Chewing
Learning to eat and chew with your new set of dentures requires patience and practice. Some of the problems you may experience include:
Your replacement teeth dislodging when you chew or bite down
Mouth sores and blisters making it painful to chew
Food collecting under your dentures
Excess saliva production
How to combat this problem:
It’s important to start slowly and choose soft foods that are easy to eat until your dentures are settled in and you feel comfortable eating solid foods again. Here are some tips for eating with your new dentures:
Chew slowly and thoroughly before you swallow.
Distribute your food evenly on both sides in the back of your mouth when you chew.
Avoid tough red meat and replace it instead with fish or poultry.
Consider using a denture adhesive.
Don’t hold liquids in your mouth for a long time as this may loosen your dentures.
Avoid sticky foods.
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