Millions of people wear some type of dentures, and most of them will likely say that it took some time to get used to them. Once you’ve replaced your missing teeth with dentures, you might wonder at first if you’ve made the right choice. But don’t worry, you most likely won’t regret it once you grow accustomed to your new artificial teeth. Here are some tips to help you get used to wearing your dentures more quickly.
Give it time
It takes time for your gums to heal and for you to feel comfortable with the dentures in your mouth. Don’t worry if they feel loose at first and move a little occasionally. After a week or two of wearing them, you’ll get used to them.
Practice
You may be self-conscious at first when talking with your new dentures, but practicing will help you master speaking with them in place. The more you talk, the faster you’ll get used to them. Some people are concerned their dentures will fall out while talking, but that is unlikely. Just keep practicing and you’ll be a pro in no time.
Expect to salivate more
It is common to produce more saliva than usual when you first start wearing dentures. This naturally decreases with time.
See your dentist
Your dentures might bother your gums for the first day or so, but if it continues you may need your dentist to adjust them. Be sure to visit your dentist when you experience discomfort or pain, so that you don’t develop a mouth ulcer or other problems. It’s normal for dentures to require adjustments occasionally.
It’s easy to come up with excuses for skipping your visit to the dentist. Maybe you’re too busy, can’t take time off work, or just don’t like going for a checkup. However, it’s time to put the excuses aside! There are some very important reasons for you to make seeing your dentist twice a year a priority.
Cleanings
The obvious benefit is that you’ll come away with a brighter, healthier smile. Tooth stains can be removed much better than you’re able to do at home, and plaque can be cleared away from hard-to-reach areas. Also, your dentist can remove tartar that you can’t get rid of yourself.
Gum disease
Your dentist will examine your mouth for signs of gum disease. It is the main cause of adult tooth loss, but can be reversed with proper dental hygiene if it’s caught early. Steering clear of gum disease can also benefit your overall health, because it has been linked to heart attacks and strokes.
Oral cancer
A screening for oral cancer will be performed at your dental visit. This painless scan of your mouth and tongue can save your life, as oral cancer is very treatable if found early.
Other issues
Your dentist will be able to watch for signs of any other problems that might be occuring that you haven’t even noticed. For example, a professional will notice wear on your teeth and determine if it’s a sign that you grind your teeth. Symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues might also be apparent to your dentist.
Role model
Don’t forget that any little ones in your household are watching you. Set a good example of regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene so that your kids will learn lifelong good habits as well.
Estimates suggest that 45 million Americans currently wear full or partial dentures. These prosthetic devices can close gaps in your smile, restore function, and improve your oral health. If you or a loved one is looking at full or partial dentures, you will need accurate information to make the best decision about how to proceed. The following Q and A will provide the basics about dentures.
Why do I need to replace missing teeth with dentures?
Even one lost tooth can create oral health problems such as shifting, uneven wear, and bone degeneration.
What is the difference between full and partial dentures?
Constructed from tooth-colored materials and placed on a gum-colored base, full dentures replace all the teeth on one or both arches. If you have remaining teeth, a partial denture can fill in the open spaces left by missing teeth. Partial dentures are held in place by inconspicuous metal clasps, while full dentures are secured with adhesives, suction, or implant posts.
Will everyone know I have dentures?
Advances in materials and technology allow your dentist to design a custom prosthetic that looks and feels similar to your natural teeth. After an adjustment period, most denture wearers find that they can eat the foods they love and smile with renewed confidence.
How do I care for my dentures?
With the right treatment, your dentures should provide years of beautiful smiles. Make sure you remove the device at night, soak your appliance in a cleaning solution, and store the denture in a secure location when it’s not in your mouth. If you need an adjustment or think something has broken, contact your dentist immediately. Attempting to fix your dentures at home could lead to further damage and additional expenses.
You’re sitting in your dentist’s chair for your checkup, and you hear the dreaded words that you have a cavity. Is it really a cause for panic? Modern advances in equipment and methods may surprise you about what really happens when you get a filling. Let’s learn what to expect if you need this procedure.
The first thing you and your dentist will discuss is the type of filling that is best for you. One choice is an amalgam filling. It is known for its durability, but contains a small amount of mercury which raises concerns among some patients. Another option is a resin composite filling, which is a newer material that contains more plastics. Many patients like this option because its white color is less noticeable in your mouth, but it lasts only about half as long as an amalgam filling.
The first step of the process is numbing the area, unless the cavity is very small and it’s unnecessary. First, the dentist will rub a topical numbing agent on the area, and will give you an injection after it takes effect. Many patients don’t even feel the injection after the topical numbing.
Next, the dentist will separate the area being worked on from the rest of your mouth using a rubber dam or a bite block. Once your mouth is ready, your tooth will be drilled and the decay will be removed.
The actual filling will be placed after the decay is gone. If you are receiving an amalgam filling, the hole will be filled with the metals. It will be pushed down to ensure all of the space is full, and then any overflow will be removed to make the tooth smooth. If you are getting a composite filling instead, the dentist will put some blue acid in the hole to create small holes for bonding the material. The acid is then rinsed, and a bonding agent is applied. Then the composite material will be added. A blue light will be used to harden and strengthen the material. Finally, the filling will be filed to make it smooth.
Life can be full of frustrations, demands, deadlines, and inconveniences. For lots of people, stress is a way of life. The problem is that when you’re constantly stressed out, your health can pay the price. There are many health conditions that are caused or worsen due to high stress levels, but did you know that your mouth may be affected in the form of teeth grinding?
What is teeth grinding?
The condition of grinding or gnashing your teeth together is called bruxism, and often includes clenching your jaw. It commonly happens while sleeping, so that you may not even realize you’re doing it. Sometimes a sleeping partner hears it, or your dentist may recognize the signs of unusual wear on your teeth.
What does my stress level have to do with it?
Teeth grinding has been linked to stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that people who are stressed from daily life and don’t have adequate coping methods are more likely to grind their teeth. Experts say that both adults and children facing stress sometimes cope by grinding their teeth.
How does teeth grinding affect me?
Grinding your teeth has more negative effects than you might think. It often causes headaches, earaches, and sleep problems. It can cause chipped, loose, cracked, or sensitive teeth. Tooth enamel can suffer excessive wear, and gum tissue may be damaged. Teeth grinding also often causes a painful jaw disorder of the temporomadibular joint, commonly called TMJ.
What can I do about it?
Your dentist may recommend wearing an over-the-counter or custom mouthguard at night, to protect your teeth from further damage. Medications usually are not helpful, although a muscle relaxant before bed may help prevent jaw clenching. The ideal treatment is to try to reduce or eliminate stress that may be contributing to your teeth grinding. Relaxation therapy, stress management, corrective exercises, and counseling are some of the options that dentists suggest to help you remedy the problem.
It can be alarming if you notice any kind of lump in your body, and finding one in your mouth is no exception. Oral cysts can form anywhere in the mouth (including the lips, tongue, bones, throat, or salivary glands) and are usually filled with fluid. The good news is that oral cysts are not cancerous and generally not painful. Let’s learn what to do if you develop one.
Symptoms
In the soft tissues of your mouth, a cyst will appear as a small, painless bump that is usually less than one inch wide. It can be under the skin of the lips, inner cheek, or gums. Unless it is infected, it doesn’t hurt. Sometimes swelling occurs in your mouth or jaw, which may indicate a cyst as well.
Diagnosis
An oral cyst is not cancerous, but it’s still important to have your dentist examine it to get an accurate diagnosis. Many cysts can be examined visually, but sometimes an x-ray is needed if it’s in a bone or other hidden area. Your dentist may perform a biopsy, which means removing a small amount of tissue or extracting some of the fluid and then sending it to a lab for analysis. The biopsy can help identify the type of cyst.
Treatment
Although there is no way to prevent cysts from forming, there are treatment options for them. Often, an oral surgeon is needed to remove the cyst under local anesthesia. If infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed. Without treatment, cysts may continue to grow bigger so it’s better to have them removed.
Prognosis
The prognosis after cyst removal is excellent, but there is the chance that the cyst will reoccur. You should get routine checkups by your dentist to monitor the area.
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