Category: Dentures

Getting adjusted to new dentures can be a roller coaster, and gagging is a common bump on that ride. But fear not, fellow denture wearer! Here are some tips to help you quell the gag reflex and enjoy a more comfortable experience:

Fit First:

• Consult your dentist: The most crucial step is ensuring your dentures fit properly. An ill-fitting denture can irritate sensitive areas in your mouth, triggering gagging. Schedule regular checkups with your dentist to assess the fit and make adjustments as needed.
• Embrace the relines: Over time, your jawbone naturally shrinks, causing dentures to loosen. Don’t hesitate to get relines – they’re essential for maintaining a snug fit and preventing gagging.
• Find your tongue’s sweet spot: Experiment with different tongue positions when inserting and wearing your dentures. Sometimes, simply adjusting your tongue can significantly reduce gagging.

Desensitization Techniques:

• Gradual exposure: Start by wearing your dentures for short periods, gradually increasing the duration as your mouth adjusts. This helps desensitize the gag reflex.
• Tongue tickles: Gently brush the area of your tongue that triggers the gag reflex. This can help desensitize it over time.
• Numb it down: Consult your dentist about using a safe, temporary topical numbing agent on the sensitive area before inserting your dentures.

Learn more: Can you eat with temporary dentures?

Lifestyle Adjustments:

• Mindful eating: Start with soft foods and cut your food into small pieces. Chew slowly and deliberately, focusing on using your back teeth. This reduces the need to push your tongue far back, a common gag trigger.
• Saliva saviors: Sucking on sugar-free candy or lozenges can help manage excess saliva that sometimes accompanies new dentures and contributes to gagging.
• Distraction tactics: Find activities that take your mind off the dentures, like listening to music or watching a video, while practicing wearing them.

Beyond the Basics:

• Denture adhesives: Using an adhesive can improve denture stability and reduce gagging by minimizing movement and irritation. Discuss options with your dentist.
• Implant-supported dentures: If traditional dentures trigger persistent gagging, consider implant-supported dentures. These anchor to implants in your jawbone, offering superior stability and eliminating the need for adhesives, often reducing gagging significantly.

Remember: Adjusting to dentures takes time and patience. Don’t be discouraged by initial hurdles. By working with your dentist and trying these tips, you can overcome the gag reflex and enjoy the benefits of a confident smile and improved oral health.

If you are looking for a Weymouth dentist near you, please visit Comfort Dental Weymouth, 47 Washington St, Weymouth, MA 02188, (781) 337-3300.

For many denture wearers, the question of sleeping with their dentures in is a common one. While it might seem convenient to skip the cleaning routine and keep your smile intact through the night, dentists generally recommend against this practice. Let’s delve into the reasons why and explore the best approach to denture care while you sleep.

Why Sleeping with Dentures is a No-No:

• Gum health: Your gums need time to rest and breathe just like any other part of your body. Leaving dentures in overnight can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to irritation, inflammation, and even infection.
• Denture health: Dentures themselves require proper cleaning and soaking to prevent warping, discoloration, and the buildup of harmful plaque. Leaving them in your mouth overnight hinders this essential cleaning process.
• Choking hazard: Loose dentures can shift during sleep, posing a potential choking hazard, especially for those with restless sleep patterns.

Learn more: Can you eat with temporary dentures?

Exceptions to the Rule:

• New dentures: In some cases, your dentist might recommend wearing new dentures for the first night or two to aid healing and tissue adaptation. However, this is a temporary measure, and you should transition to nighttime removal soon after.
• Personal preference: Some individuals find comfort and security sleeping with their dentures, especially if they experience facial collapse or sagging without them. If this is the case, discuss it with your dentist to ensure they fit securely and won’t cause any harm.

The Best Approach to Nighttime Denture Care:

1. Remove your dentures: Before bed, gently remove your dentures and rinse them thoroughly under running water.
2. Clean and soak: Use a soft-bristled denture brush and a specific denture cleanser to remove plaque and debris. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for soaking time and solution.
3. Clean your mouth: Brush your gums and tongue with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste to remove any remaining bacteria.
4. Store your dentures: Place your clean dentures in a denture case filled with fresh cleaning solution.

Additional Tips:

• Schedule regular dental checkups: Your dentist can monitor your oral health and ensure your dentures fit properly, reducing the risk of complications.
• Talk to your dentist: If you have any concerns about sleeping with or without your dentures, discuss them openly with your dental professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual needs and situation.

Remember, taking care of your dentures is crucial for maintaining good oral health and overall well-being. By following these guidelines and consulting your dentist regularly, you can ensure a comfortable and healthy sleep, both with and without your smile!

If you are looking for a Weymouth dentist near you, please visit Comfort Dental Weymouth, 47 Washington St, Weymouth, MA 02188, (781) 337-3300.

Yes, you can eat with temporary dentures, but it will take some getting used to. They are not as stable or well-fitting as permanent dentures, so you may need to be careful about what you eat and how you chew.

Here are some tips for eating with temporary dentures:

• Start with soft foods. This will be easier on your gums and will help you get used to the feeling of dentures in your mouth. Some good options include soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and applesauce.
• Cut food into small pieces. This will make it easier to chew and will help prevent the dentures from slipping.
• Chew slowly and carefully. Don’t bite down too hard, and chew on both sides of your mouth.
• Avoid sticky foods. These can be difficult to remove from your dentures and can also cause them to loosen.
• Avoid hard foods. These can damage your dentures or break them.
• Use denture adhesive. This will help keep your dentures in place and prevent them from slipping or moving around.

Learn more: Can you sleep with dentures?

Additional things to keep in mind:

• Your temporary dentures may need to be adjusted or relined as your mouth heals from the tooth extraction.
• It is important to see your dentist regularly for checkups and adjustments.

With a little practice, you should be able to eat most foods with your temporary dentures. However, if you have any problems, be sure to see your dentist.

If you are looking for a Weymouth dentist near you, please visit Comfort Dental Weymouth, 47 Washington St, Weymouth, MA 02188, (781) 337-3300.