Got New Dentures Just in Time for the Holidays? 5 Tips to Make the Adjustment Easy

Dentures are a popular option to replace missing teeth, improve your ability to speak, and restore your smile, but a new set of dentures always takes some getting used to. At Austin Advanced Dentistry, Aditi Saxena, DDS, and our team understand the journey of adapting to dentures, and how a busy holiday season can add to the challenge.

If you got new dentures just before the holidays and your calendar is filled with meals, social gatherings, and travel, here are five tips to help you get comfortable, confident, and ready to celebrate.

1. Start with soft foods and gradually reintroduce favorites

In the first few days after getting your dentures, give your mouth a break by sticking to soft, easy-to-chew foods. Mashed potatoes, soups, and cooked vegetables are all great options, and many of these make appearances at holiday gatherings.

Soft foods require less pressure to eat, which helps you get used to biting and chewing with your new teeth. As you become more comfortable (usually within a week or two), slowly reintroduce firmer items like roast turkey, crusty bread, or holiday pastries. Remember to take small bites and chew on both sides to help your dentures stay stable.

2. Practice speaking and using your mouth daily

New dentures change the shape of your mouth, and it can feel strange at first when you're talking or smiling. To speed up your adjustment, spend a few minutes each day reading aloud or even talking in front of a mirror.

Practicing helps your tongue and lips learn to control the denture and improves your confidence when socializing. You may feel a little lisp or slur at first, but that should fade as you get accustomed to the new shape of your mouth.

3. Maintain a good oral hygiene routine

Just like teeth need brushing, your dentures need care to protect your oral health and extend the life of the dentures themselves. Every night, remove your dentures and soak them in a cleaning solution recommended by your dentist.

In the morning, gently brush them with a soft-bristled brush (separate from your regular toothbrush) and rinse well before putting them back in. Continue caring for your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristle brush or a damp cloth to keep the tissues clean and healthy during this transitional period.

Since holiday travel or family gatherings may keep you away from home longer, pack a small emergency denture kit to keep with you. Include denture adhesive, a cleaning brush, soaking solution, and a mirror. That way, you can quickly handle minor irritation or loosening on the go.

4. Use supportive adhesive as needed

Denture adhesive can provide extra stability, especially during meals with sticky or chewy holiday foods. If your dentures feel loose or rub while you’re out and about, a small amount of adhesive can help improve fit and reduce movement.

However, don’t rely on denture adhesive too much. Part of adjusting to dentures is learning how your gums and muscles adapt to hold the dentures in place naturally. Overusing adhesive can hide problems like poor fit, which may need professional adjustment.

5. Attend your follow-up appointments (and speak up about discomfort)

Denture care doesn’t end when you leave the dentist’s office. It’s common to feel sore spots, pressure, or irritation in the first few days, but if the pain persists, worsens, or causes blisters, be sure to call us.

At Austin Advanced Dentistry, our denture services include follow-up visits to adjust the fit, relieve sore spots, and ensure your dentures sit comfortably. These visits are essential, especially during the holidays when you may be using your dentures more frequently than normal right from the start.

Adjusting to new dentures takes time and patience, but with a little strategy, you’ll set yourself up for comfort and confidence. We’re here to support you throughout the process, and if you want guidance on how to make the most out of your new smile, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call our Austin, Texas, office at 512-886-6734 or request an appointment online now.