Hi, this is Kim for howdini.

Today we’re going to talk about some of the common challenges of living with dentures.

Feeling frustrated with your dentures? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans have dentures and nearly all of them have had challenges at one time or another.

As a new denture wearer, you will experience minor problems as you get used to your dentures for the first time. Even if you’ve had dentures for years you may encounter periodic issues as your mouth grows and changes. Here are five typical denture challenges and tips for overcoming them:

Challenge #1: Too much saliva

- With a new foreign object in your mouth you might feel as though your salivary glands are working in overdrive. This is perfectly natural and will go away once you become adjusted to wearing your dentures. Try to swallow more often to remove the excess saliva. You might want to suck on a mint or hard candy to get yourself swallowing more frequently.

Challenge #2: Soreness

- Soreness is very common and usually occurs within a few hours of putting your dentures in. Rinsing with warm salt water can help alleviate the pain. Using denture adhesives may also help reduce irritation and sore spots caused by denture rub. If soreness becomes a continuing problem you should consider seeing your dentist of prosthodontist so that any necessary adjustments can be made. Never try to adjust your dentures on your own.

Challenge #3: That full mouth feeling

- When you first start wearing dentures, you might get the feeling they’re too big, or that your lips are being pushed forward. This is common and will decrease as you get used to wearing your dentures. Ensure you wear them as much as possible to help your muscles adjust to holding them in place.

Challenge #4: Dentures no longer fit

- Dentures rest on gum tissue and your jawbone, which deteriorate and shrink over time. If your dentures used to fit well, but now feel loose, visit your dentist. It might be time for an adjustment or a replacement set.

And last but not least, there’s a huge fear of dentures slipping. A recent study found that nearly two thirds of women worried about needing dentures were most concerned about their dentures staying in place. The idea that dentures could dislodge during dinner with friends or a meeting with colleagues is a real fear. Using denture adhesive for extra protection can help you avoid those embarrassing slips with confidence.

If you’re a new dentures wearer, you probably have a few questions about using denture adhesive for the first time. To help you continue living life confidently, we’ve developed a few tips to keep in mind when using denture adhesive. Use a denture adhesive that is right for you. There are several varieties available but you should ask your prosthodontist which adhesive would best fit your needs. Then, try a few to find the one that’s right for you.

When applying, make sure you use the right amount. For your upper dentures, apply three dabs of denture cream, about half an inch each dab, on the upper part of your denture that fits against the roof of your mouth. For your lower denture, distribute three, also about half an inch each dab, thinly around the inside of your lower denture. If excessive denture cream oozes out of the denture after you bite on it, then you know you’ve used too much. And finally, to help your dentures last and keep them looking, and fitting their best, follow these denture care tips:

- Clean your dentures every day using a cleanser solution.

- Keep your dentures moist when you’re not wearing them.

- And, never try to adjust your dentures yourself.

Adjusting to life with dentures can pose minor challenges, but, with some of these tips and help from your dentist or prosthodontist, you can overcome these and learn to enjoy your beautiful new smile.

On behalf of Fixodent® I’m Kim from howdini. For more tips and information, visit our website.