Does Your Denture Chew? Try Gum For Comfort!

If you wear dentures, you might have noticed that chewing can sometimes be an uncomfortable task. Your dentures are designed to mimic the function of your natural teeth, but they don’t always chew like the real deal. In this post, we'll delve into an often overlooked trick that many denture wearers swear by for better chewing comfort: chewing gum.

Why Chew Gum with Dentures?

Chewing gum has several benefits for denture wearers:

• Improved Fit: Regularly chewing can help your mouth adjust to dentures, leading to a better fit over time.
• Increased Saliva Production: Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva flow, which can help maintain the moisture in your mouth, reducing the risk of sores or irritation.
• Enhanced Chewing Efficiency: Practice makes perfect. Chewing gum can improve your biting force and overall chewing efficiency, making regular food consumption more comfortable.

How to Start

Starting with chewing gum as a denture wearer might seem daunting. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose the Right Gum:

   • Opt for sugar-free gums to avoid sugar-induced tooth decay on remaining natural teeth or irritation for those with no teeth.

2. Start Slow:

   • Begin by chewing small pieces of gum for short durations. This allows your mouth and muscles to adapt gradually.

3. Increase Duration:

   • Gradually increase the time you spend chewing. Aim for about 15-20 minutes post-meals or when you feel your dentures are loose.

4. Consistency is Key:

   • For optimal benefits, chew gum regularly, ideally after meals.

Here’s a practical example:

• Scenario: Mary, who got her dentures three months ago, found eating apples uncomfortable due to her dentures slipping. After starting to chew sugar-free gum for 15 minutes post-meals, she noticed:

  • Improved control over her dentures, making eating apples not just possible but enjoyable.
  • Her muscles adapted, reducing the frequency of sore spots on her gums.

<p class="pro-note">👉 Pro Tip: Never rush into chewing gum if you've just got your new dentures; give yourself time to adjust to the new feel in your mouth.</p>

Tips for Effective Gum Chewing

Here are some tips to make your gum-chewing experience as beneficial as possible:

• Gum Texture: Choose gum with a texture that suits your comfort. Some prefer softer gum to start with, while others like the challenge of harder varieties.

• Chewing Technique:

  • Use a side-to-side chewing motion. This mimics natural chewing more closely and can help with denture fit.
  • Avoid vigorous chewing at the back of the jaw initially to prevent denture movement.

• Sugar-Free: Always opt for sugar-free gum to minimize the risk of oral health issues.

• Hydration: Keep yourself hydrated, as dry mouth can exacerbate the discomforts of wearing dentures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing: Don’t start with large or hard pieces of gum if you're new to chewing with dentures.
• Wrong Type of Gum: Avoid gums with hard candy or pieces, which could get stuck in your dentures.
• Overdoing It: Chewing too vigorously or for too long can tire out your jaw muscles and dislodge your dentures.

Troubleshooting Chewing Gum with Dentures

If you encounter issues while chewing gum with your dentures, here are some troubleshooting steps:

• Denture Movement: If your dentures move excessively, they might need relining or adjusting. Consult your dentist.
• Sore Spots: Persistent pain in your gums could indicate pressure points. A dental visit might be in order.
• Dry Mouth: Saliva substitutes or increasing water intake can help if you notice an overly dry mouth.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: If you feel your dentures shifting while chewing gum, pause and make sure your gum is not overstimulating your salivary glands, which might increase slippage.</p>

Closing Thoughts

Regularly chewing gum can indeed transform your denture-wearing experience, offering better comfort and a more natural feel when eating. It's about giving your jaw muscles the workout they need to support your dentures better. Remember, patience is key, and if any discomfort persists, seeking advice from your dentist can make all the difference.

Explore more tutorials on maintaining and caring for your dentures to enhance your overall oral health and comfort. Whether you're a seasoned denture wearer or just starting, there's always something new to learn.

<p class="pro-note">🌟 Pro Tip: Remember to relax your facial muscles while chewing. Tension can exacerbate denture issues.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can chewing gum cause my dentures to break?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While chewing gum won't typically cause your dentures to break, improper use (like chewing on very hard gum) might put stress on the material. Always use gentle, side-to-side chewing motions to minimize this risk.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long should I chew gum with dentures?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Start with 5-10 minutes after meals, gradually increasing to 15-20 minutes as your comfort increases. Overchewing can lead to muscle fatigue.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What type of gum is best for denture wearers?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Sugar-free gum with a soft to medium texture is recommended. Brands like Trident or Orbit provide options that are less likely to stick to dentures.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Should I use a denture adhesive along with chewing gum?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You can use adhesive if you feel your dentures need extra support. However, regular chewing can help reduce the need for adhesive over time.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>