THE following advice is especially for those who will be wearing dentures for the first time and obviously want to obtain maximum benefit from them. One should first remember that dentures are not permanent and that changes continue to occur in the bone and soft tissues of the mouth; therefore, periodic modifications may be required.

Incidentally, I believe that if it were not for the fabrication of false teeth, there would have been far fewer dental “quacks” in Guyana. Despite losing their teeth for one reason or another, some people are often sceptical about wearing dentures, due mainly to erroneous perceptions or ignorance. Here is some basic advice for those who either wear or intend to wear removable dentures:

During the initial adjustment period, you should:

• Leave the dentures in for the first 72-hour period. Use denture adhesive cream, for example, Fixodent. Note any discomfort or pain and revisit your dentist for a post-insertion consultation and adjustments.
• Feelings of fullness and increased salivation will decrease with time.
• Sucking sweets may help with any gagging sensation.
• Expect sore spots to develop during this initial adjustment period, as this is not unusual. The dentist must see these sore spots to identify the exact place to relieve on the new denture.

Eating with your new dentures:

• Cut up food into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Eating with food on both sides of your mouth may be helpful.
• Biting food with your front teeth will tend to dislodge the dentures and the underlying tissues.
• Avoid sticky foods.
• Learning to eat with dentures takes time. Eating with dentures will not be as easy or efficient as eating with natural teeth, but you need to be patient.

Talking about your new dentures:

• Adjusting takes time. Read aloud to speed up the process.
• Muscles will need to be re-educated so that they will retain the denture.
• The feeling of crowding of the tongue will decrease with time.

Cleaning your mouth and your dentures:

• Cleanse and massage your gums daily with a soft toothbrush.
• Brush dentures with a soft toothbrush and ordinary facial soap. Never use toothpaste to brush your dentures; it is too abrasive.
• Soak dentures overnight in either a commercial denture-soaking solution/tablet or a weak mixture of bleach and water.

Denture Dos and Don’ts

• Brush your dentures with soap daily.
• Only use denture adhesives on the advice of your dentist.
• Never attempt to adjust, repair or refit your denture yourself because you can damage it and may require a new one.
• Do see your dentist for your regular check-ups.