How to Live Comfortably with a Partial Denture

If you've never worn partial dentures before, it may take some time for your mouth to get used to them. For the first few weeks, they may feel strange and uncomfortable. Fortunately, any pain caused by the dentures will only last for a short time and can be relieved. Eating and drinking may also feel completely different than before. However, with practice and time, everything will soon feel more natural. It's important to take care of your health, especially your mouth and your dentures.

Coping with Denture Pain


Visit your dentist . Do this so that the denture fits properly. Tell him or her where you feel discomfort. Make sure to wear the denture the day before you plan to go to the dentist for the fitting. This way, the health professional will be able to clearly see any red or irritated areas of your gums.
  • Avoid attempting to adjust the denture yourself at all costs. A professional dentist will ensure that the adjustment keeps the denture in place and the seal intact.
  • Most healthcare professionals schedule a follow-up appointment a few days to a week after the denture is fitted. However, if you experience unbearable pain before this visit, contact your dentist's office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Make sure to rinse your mouth with salt water . This will help relieve swelling as well as pain. Dissolve 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of salt in 250 ml of boiling water. When the water is lukewarm or reaches room temperature, put it in your mouth and make sure to swish it around for about 30 seconds. However, be careful not to do this every day, as salt water can erode enamel. 
  • You could do this every other day for up to a week. If you continue to experience pain, contact your dentist to recommend other alternatives to relieve your discomfort.
  • Rinsing the mouth with saline solution also has the benefit of reducing gum swelling and cleaning the irritated area(s).


 Do this to relieve discomfort. Ask your doctor which painkiller will be best for you to reduce the pain caused by the prosthesis. This could be ibuprofen, aspirin, or paracetamol. The first two are classified as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and can relieve pain and inflammation by blocking the effects of chemicals called cyclooxygenase enzymes. Paracetamol, on the other hand, is classified as a painkiller and can only relieve pain and not inflammation  .
  • Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the product packaging or the recommendations of your healthcare professional regarding dosage and frequency of use.
  • All three types of pain relievers are available in capsule, tablet, and even liquid form.
  • One pain reliever may be more appropriate than another depending on other medications you are taking, your lifestyle choices, and other factors.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers should be taken temporarily  . Don't hesitate to see the dentist if you continue to experience pain.


 This way, you'll get used to the feeling of it more quickly. Even though you're supposed to take it out before going to sleep, make an effort to keep it in place as much as possible during the day .  The more you wear it, the faster your mouth will get used to it.
  • At first, you may need to remove it several times a day to give your gums and mouth a break. However, after a few weeks, you should be able to wear it all day long.

Eating and drinking with a prosthesis


 Do this for the first two to three days after your denture is fitted. Make sure you eat soft foods like mashed potatoes , applesauce , hot cereal, yogurt , and pudding   . Your gums may be sore, and these foods will be the easiest to chew and swallow.
  • After the first few days, you can try more solid foods like bread , rice , beans , and fish .


 Try not to eat sticky or hard foods too often (once or twice a week) while wearing your denture, as they may move it and allow food debris to get underneath, which could irritate the gums  .
  • Foods like steak, nuts, and caramel can also damage or displace dentures because they force the jaw to exert uneven pressure. Over time, the denture will no longer fit properly, which can lead to jaw pain.

 Be sure to take them slowly, paying attention to how they feel before taking large sips or bites. It will take three to four days to get used to the new heat sensitivity .
  • You will be less sensitive to heat, because the dentures insulate the mouth.
  • Tea, coffee, stew, soup, potatoes, chili, cooked vegetables, and beans are examples of foods you should be careful with.

 This will help you have more control while eating. Do facial exercises by pressing the inside of your cheeks against your teeth while pulling the corners of your mouth back and pursing your lips. This facial movement strengthens your cheek muscles (the buccinators 
  • Strengthening your buccinators will allow you to have more control when chewing and sucking liquids.

Maintaining a partial denture

 You can also use a regular toothbrush. The important thing is that the brush you use has medium-length bristles. Also, make sure you use denture toothpaste, denture adhesive creams, or a denture soaking solution.
  • Make sure to brush the entire denture (not just the teeth) before wearing it.
  • Make sure to do this over a sink, towel, or bowl of water. If the denture falls on a hard surface, it may break.

 If you're not wearing them, be sure to leave them in a soaking solution or a cup of water. This is usually done overnight. Ask your healthcare professional for recommendations on soaking solutions or denture cleaners.
  • Avoid leaving the denture in hot water or bleach.

 Avoid at all costs attempting to repair the denture yourself. If it breaks, chips, cracks, or becomes too loose, you should consult a professional for proper repair 
  • Typically, the dentist can complete repairs the same day. Depending on the complexity of the repair, the process can take one to three hours. However, if the breakage is particularly serious, the denture may need to be sent to a dental lab.
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