When you first receive your new dentures, you may have a few challenges eating or speaking. That’s perfectly normal! It takes some time for your mouth to get used to it. The good news is that with the right exercises and a little practice, you will soon be able to start talking normally with dentures.
Why Does Wearing Dentures Affect Speech?
If you have lost a few or more teeth and they have been replaced with dentures, you may find it difficult to pronounce some words at first. People especially have difficulty when pronouncing words with ‘s’, ‘th ‘, and ‘f’ sounds. This is because dentures change the way your tongue and mouth move when you speak. These effects often improve as your mouth adjusts to the dentures. Some people may also hear a clicking sound when they’re talking with dentures. It can happen if your denture is not well-fitted or loose.
Tips to Help You Talk Clearly With Dentures
Almost every patient who gets a new denture faces some challenges at first. You’ll need to give it some time. These tips can help you speak much more clearly with your new dentures:
Practice talking out loud
When you talk out loud, you’ll hear which words you’re having trouble with. Start by reading a newspaper or a book, or even just singing the songs you like. Just make sure you start slow and don’t rush into it.
Try tongue twisters
Denture wearers often have issues speaking words with the ‘s’ and ‘f’ sounds. Try saying this tongue twister a few times a day:
“Tiny-tot Tad tasted very little treats.
Fair is foul and foul is fair.
Sister Sue sews shirts, shorts, and shoulder straps for shoulders.”
Read in front of a mirror
In addition to listening, observing your mouth movements in a mirror can also be helpful. This will make it easy to relearn common sounds and words.
Bite down before speaking
If your denture feels a little loose or shifts when you speak, gently bite down and swallow before you talk. This will set them in the correct position.
Speak at a normal volume when talking
You may feel like you’re speaking louder than usual when you first start to talk with a denture. Dentures affect the way air flows through your mouth when you speak, so it can happen.
Don’t worry, it’s not something too unusual. You can practice toning your voice down if you feel it’s louder. You’ll sound more natural as time passes.
Use a denture adhesive
Sometimes, a removable denture can move when you talk or eat. Using a denture adhesive may help improve stability and comfort throughout the day.
But if your denture is shifting out of place too much or too often, talk to your dentist. It may need an adjustment.
Summing Up
Learning to talk with your new dentures takes a bit of time. Be patient and keep practicing these exercises to see a change! You can also reach out to our dentist at Houston Biological Dentistry if you’re thinking about getting a denture or adjusting to wearing one. Call (713) 785-7767 to book your visit.