Adjusting to life with dentures can take some time, especially when it comes to speaking. With patience and a few helpful strategies, you can quickly regain your confidence and speak clearly and comfortably again. Here are 4 tips for speaking with dentures that will help you sound like yourself in no time.
1. Practice Makes Perfect
One of the best ways to get comfortable speaking with dentures is simply to practice. Your tongue, lips, and cheeks need a little time to adjust to the new shape and feel of your mouth. At first, certain words—especially ones with “s,” “f,” or “th” sounds—may be trickier to pronounce.
Start by reading out loud at home each day. You can read a book, a newspaper, or even sing along to your favorite songs. This practice helps train your muscles to move naturally with your dentures in place. Speaking slowly and clearly will also help you regain control over your speech.
If you notice your dentures slipping as you talk, gently bite down and swallow before you continue speaking. This helps your dentures reseat themselves comfortably. With consistent practice, your mouth will adapt, and speaking will soon feel second nature again.
2. Use Denture Adhesive for Extra Stability
A major cause of speech difficulties for new denture wearers is movement. If your dentures feel loose, even slightly, it can make speaking clearly more challenging and cause embarrassment if they shift mid-conversation.
A denture adhesive can help provide added stability and peace of mind, especially in the early stages of wearing dentures. It creates a gentle, secure seal between your dentures and gums, keeping them firmly in place while you talk, eat, or laugh.
Ask your dentist which adhesive type is best for you and how much to use. Overusing adhesive can create buildup, so a small, pea-sized amount is typically all you need.
3. Stay Relaxed and Hydrated
Tension can make it harder to speak naturally, and dry mouth can make your dentures feel sticky or uncomfortable. If you’re nervous about talking with dentures, try to relax your mouth and jaw muscles. Take deep breaths before speaking, and remind yourself that everyone goes through an adjustment period.
Staying hydrated also plays an important role. Drinking water throughout the day helps keep your mouth moist and your dentures lubricated, which reduces friction and makes speech smoother. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, as both can contribute to dry mouth.
4. Be Patient and Communicate with Your Dentist
Learning to speak with dentures is a process—it’s perfectly normal to experience a few slips or lisps early on. The key is patience and persistence. Most people adjust fully within a few weeks.
If, however, you continue to struggle with pronunciation, sore spots, or slippage, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. They can make minor adjustments to improve the fit or suggest exercises to strengthen your oral muscles.
Speaking with dentures may take some getting used to, but it’s far from impossible. With regular practice, proper adhesive use, hydration, and guidance from your dentist, you’ll soon be chatting comfortably and confidently again.
About the Author
Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana has been working in the dental field for 20 years and counting. He is a graduate of the prestigious New York University and still pursues continuing education courses on a routine basis at institutions such as Kois Education. To stay current in his field, Dr. Rana is a member of the Texas Dental Association and the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. In the market for dentures? We can help! Schedule an appointment online or call (469) 399-7288.