6 Tips to Stop Dentures From Slipping
Dentures are a helpful solution for people who have lost some or all of their natural teeth, but many users find it difficult to keep them firmly seated in the gums. If you struggle with your dentures slipping when you speak or eat, follow these six tips.
1. Eat Soft Foods at First
Most denture slippage problems occur in people who are new to using dentures. If you are in this situation, sticking to soft foods for the first few days can help you get used to eating with your new teeth. Swap out tough meats for soups, stews, mashed potatoes and oatmeal. As you gain confidence using your dentures, begin to gradually add in foods that need more chewing.
2. Avoid Sticky Foods
Some foods stick to dentures, which can pull them out of place. Toffees and chewing gum are some of the worst offenders, so try to avoid indulging in these treats. As an alternative to chewing gum, you can suck on breath mints or use a mouth rinse to tackle bad breath.
3. Keep Dentures Moist
When dentures dry out, the material around the base can become hard and brittle. This can make the dentures quite uncomfortable to wear. While wearing dentures, sip water to keep your mouth moist. When you remove your dentures, soak them in a denture cleaning solution to protect the soft material that helps them to fit around the gums.
4. Handle Dentures With Care
Never force dentures into position in your mouth. Instead, use a mirror to align them correctly and gently push them into place. Try to avoid dropping or squashing your dentures while handling them.
5. Seek Professional Dental Care
If your dentures no longer fit correctly, the best solution is to visit a denture clinic to have them replaced or adjusted. Poorly fitting dentures can result from excessive force being applied to the dentures or from your mouth gradually changing shape as you age. A professional dentist can assess the dentures and adjust them to ensure you always have a perfect fit.
6. Use Denture Adhesive
Many denture users don't require denture adhesive to keep their false teeth in place. However, some people find adhesive pastes and powders are invaluable in keeping their dentures firmly seated in the gums. Apply denture adhesive to the parts of the dentures that contact with your gums, and then press them gently into place to ensure a secure fit. You can use denture adhesive every day if you need a little extra help keeping your dentures seated.
