One of the most common questions dentists get asked by new denture wearers is 'can you chew gum with dentures? ' The good news is: yes, you can!
Since your dentures can't get cavities, you can practically chew any type of gum you wish. However, your natural teeth can still be affected by the amount of sugar present in regular chewing gums: Especially at risk are the teeth adjacent to your partial dentures.
Freedent is the gum that freshens your breath without sticking to your dental work. It has cool-peppermint flavor with a smooth chew that tastes great. It's always a good time to enjoy a stick of refreshing chewing gum. When you want a stick that won't stick, grab Freedent gum.
Chewing gum with dentures is also good for saliva production and allows you to avoid the dry mouth that often accompanies wearing dentures. Wrigley's Freedent gum and Active Denture Chewing Gum are two brands that denture wearers enjoy.
Although there are several brands of chewing gum designed not to stick to dentures, such as Freedent and Biotene, many people find that these gums still stick to dentures, dislodging them. You can try chewing these gums with dentures, but do not be surprised if it doesn't work.
Once you are fully adjusted to wearing dentures, you should be able to eat almost anything. However, there may be some foods that will always be difficult to eat, such as food that is hard, sticky, or tough. Even with a strong mouth and well-fitting dentures, there are some foods you may wish to banish from your diet.
Many first-time denture wearers say eating soft foods that are gentle on your gums and teeth make the adjustment to dentures easier. Even if your denture feels uncomfortable at first, try to wear it as much as you can so you'll get used to it.
Regardless of the type of dentures you're using, wearing them in your sleep is a bad idea, and will cause you a number of health issues down the line. To keep your mouth bacteria-free, your gums healthy, and your bones unaltered and strong, make sure to remove your dentures every night before going to sleep.
Most types of dentures need to stay moist to keep their shape. Place the dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight. Check with your dentist about properly storing your dentures overnight. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning and soaking solutions.
With immediate dentures, you don't have to be without teeth while your gums are healing. However, bone and gums can shrink over time, especially during the first six months after your teeth have been taken out. If your gums shrink, your immediate dentures may need relining, adjusting, or even replacing.
Generally you should wear your dentures for at least 8 hours a day. This will give your gums and jawbone time to get used to the dentures and prevent sore spots from developing. It is best to take them out at night so that your gums can rest. You should also remove them for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
You should never wear your dentures 24 hours a day without preforming proper oral hygiene. Dentures should be cleaned at night and stored in water during the night.
Avoid certain foods in the beginning – When you're first learning to chew with your dentures, you should avoid eating foods that you have to bite into like pizzas and burgers. These types of foods can easily dislodge your dentures. Sticky foods might also be problematic for new denture wearers.
If you need to bite down on hard food, such as an apple, use your canines instead of your front teeth. Otherwise, you can cause your dentures to slip and slide around, hurting your gums. Make sure you distribute your food evenly on both sides in the back of your mouth when you chew.
Toothpaste is not intended to be used for denture cleaning and as a result can actually be harmful to your dentures. Opt for a denture cleanser and brush instead.
It's a legitimate concern and there is definitely an adjustment period where talking, chewing and normal activities will feel different. Once you've learned to adjust, you should be able to communicate normally. It usually takes about 2 weeks for your tongue to get use to the new environment.
New dentures can take around two to four weeks to settle properly. It's not unusual to experience some tenderness or discomfort at first.
As a general rule of thumb, dental professionals are likely to tell you that adjusting to new dentures takes about 30 days, on average. You might not be keen to wait this long, but you need to be careful how quickly you try to get back to normal.
In addition to taste buds getting weaker with age, wearing dentures can result in some flavor loss due to: The upper denture covering your upper-hard palate, which contains the taste buds. Food debris becoming stuck in your dentures and leaving an unpleasant taste. Overuse of denture adhesive.
Salty Snacks
If you find yourself craving something salty, remember that hard, sharp, or jagged pieces don't play nicely with dentures and can be uncomfortable if lodged in your mouth. Rather than reaching for chips or popcorn, lighter foods like crackers or vegetable sticks with dip are a better alternative.
Biting down on chewy steak with dentures can destabilize them or cause sore spots. You don't have to avoid steak entirely – just cut it up into small pieces.