I HAVE no doubt that if it were not for the fabrication of false teeth there would have been far less dental “quacks” in Guyana. It is hence logical that the higher the incidence of persons seeking dentures, the more there are people losing their teeth. This is not a good thing for dentistry because the purpose of dental personnel is not to extract teeth but rather to conserve them.

Notwithstanding, despite losing their teeth for one reason or the other, some persons are often skeptical of wearing dentures due mainly to erroneous perceptions or ignorance. However, in order for those who will be wearing dentures for the first time to obtain maximum benefit from it, certain practices should be observed.

One should first remember that dentures are not permanent and that changes continue to occur in the bone and soft tissues of the mouth. Now here is some basic advice for those either wear or intend to wear removable dentures:

DURING THE INITIAL ADJUSTMENT PERIOD YOU SHOULD:
1. Leave the dentures in for the first 48 hours period. Note any discomfort or pain and revisit your dentist for post – insertion consultation. If there is no discomfort, wear it constantly because only then will you become accustomed to it.

2. Feelings of fullness and increased salivation will decrease with time.

3. Sucking sweets may help any gagging sensation.

4. Expect sore spots to develop during this initial adjustment period as this is not unusual. It is important that the dentist sees these sore spots in order to identify the exact place to relieve on the new denture.

EATING WITH YOUR NEW DENTURES:
1. Cut up food into small bite-sized pieces.
2. Eating with food on both sides of your mouth may be helpful.
3. Biting foods with your front teeth will tend to dislodge dentures and the underlying tissues.
4. Avoid sticky foods.
5. Learning to eat with dentures takes time. Eating with dentures will be as easy or efficient as eating with natural teeth but you need to be patient.

TALKING WITH YOUR NEW DENTURES:
1. Adjusting takes time – read out loud to speed up the process.
2. Muscles will need to be re-educated so they will retain the denture.
3. The feeling of crowding of the tongue will decrease with time.

CLEANING YOUR MOUTH AND YOUR DENTURES.
1. Cleanse and massage your gums daily with a soft toothbrush.
2. Brush dentures with a soft toothbrush and ordinary facial soap. Never use toothpaste to brush your dentures – it is too abrasive.
3. Soak dentures overnight in either a commercial denture soaking solution/tablet or a weak mixture of bleach and water.

DENTURES DO’S AND DON’TS
1. Leave your dentures soaking at night while you sleep.
2. Denture adhesive is mandatory with all new dentures. It works as an adhesive, a seal to prevent food from getting beneath and averts initial minor chafing.
4. Never attempt to adjust, repair, or re-fit your denture yourself because you can damage it and may require a new one.
5. Do see your dentist for your regular check-ups.