7 Exercises for Speaking Confidently With Dentures

Speaking confidently with dentures can feel like a challenge, but it’s a journey worth embracing. If you’re adjusting to new dentures, you might find yourself struggling with clear speech or feeling self-conscious. 

The good news? 

You’re not alone, and there are effective ways to overcome these hurdles.

Practicing specific exercises can help you regain your confidence and improve your speaking skills. From tongue twisters to lip strengthening, these exercises can make a significant difference in how you feel and speak. 

Let’s dive into seven top exercises designed to help you speak clearly and confidently with dentures, turning your communication challenges into triumphs.

1. Tongue Twisters for Clarity

Tongue twisters are a fantastic way to improve your articulation with dentures. These exercises force you to enunciate each syllable clearly, which helps with overall speech clarity.

• Simple Tongue Twisters: Start with basic ones like “She sells sea shells by the sea shore.” Repeat slowly and then increase speed as you get comfortable.
• Progress to Complex Twisters: As you advance, try more challenging phrases like “Unique New York, unique New York.” This helps in practicing difficult sounds.

Regular practice with these can significantly enhance your ability to speak clearly. The key is consistency and patience. Try practicing them daily to see improvement over time.

2. Lip Strengthening Exercises

Strong lips are crucial for clear speech, especially with dentures. Strengthening exercises can help you gain better control and reduce slippage.

• Pursed Lip Exercise: Push your lips together as if blowing out a candle. Hold for a few seconds and release. Repeat 10 times.
• Lip Stretch: Smile as wide as you can and then pucker your lips. Hold each position for 5 seconds. This exercise strengthens the muscles around your mouth.

Perform these exercises daily to enhance your lip strength and control. Over time, you’ll notice a significant improvement in how your dentures feel and function while speaking.

3. Chewing Exercises

Chewing exercises can help your mouth adjust to dentures while also improving your speech. These exercises simulate the natural movements of chewing, which helps in better pronunciation.

• Chew Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum can help your mouth get used to the dentures. It also strengthens the muscles around your jaw.
• Chew Soft Foods: Practice chewing soft foods like applesauce or mashed potatoes. This can help you get accustomed to the feeling of dentures while speaking.

Incorporate these exercises into your daily routine to help your mouth adapt and reduce any discomfort. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance your speaking confidence.

4. Breathing Techniques

Proper breathing is essential for clear speech. Using correct breathing techniques can help you manage your breath better while speaking.

• Diaphragmatic Breathing: Place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach. Breathe deeply through your nose, allowing your stomach to rise. Exhale slowly through your mouth. Practice this for a few minutes each day.
• Controlled Breathing: Practice speaking while exhaling slowly. This technique helps maintain a steady voice and reduces the likelihood of stumbling over words.

Mastering these breathing techniques can lead to more controlled and confident speech. It’s a valuable skill for anyone adjusting to dentures.

5. Mouth Exercises for Muscle Strength

Strengthening the muscles in your mouth can improve your ability to speak clearly. These exercises target the specific muscles used in speech.

• Open and Close Mouth: Open your mouth wide, then close it slowly. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
• Mouth Stretches: Stretch your mouth by making exaggerated vowel sounds like “A,” “E,” “I,” “O,” “U.” This helps in developing better muscle control.

Daily practice of these exercises will help you speak more clearly and comfortably with dentures. Strong oral muscles are essential for maintaining clear and confident speech.

6. Speech Practice with Reading Aloud

Reading aloud is a simple yet effective way to practice speaking clearly. It helps you get used to speaking with dentures and improves your fluency.

• Choose Simple Texts: Start with children’s books or easy articles. Focus on pronouncing each word clearly.
• Gradually Increase Complexity: As you become more comfortable, move on to more complex texts. This will challenge you and help you improve further.

Reading aloud not only helps in practicing your speech but also builds your confidence. It’s a great way to integrate your denture practice into your daily routine.

7. Mirror Practice for Visual Feedback

Practicing in front of a mirror provides valuable visual feedback, helping you observe your mouth movements and adjust them for clearer speech.

• Mirror Repetition: Stand in front of a mirror and repeat words or phrases that you find challenging. Watch how your mouth moves and make adjustments as needed.
• Facial Expressions: Practice speaking with different facial expressions, such as smiling or frowning, to ensure your dentures remain in place during various emotions.

By incorporating mirror practice into your routine, you gain a better understanding of how your mouth and dentures work together, leading to more confident and articulate speech.

Last But Not Least: Consultation with a Professional 

If you’re struggling with speech after getting dentures, consulting a professional can be beneficial. A speech therapist or your dental care provider can offer personalized advice and exercises.

• Speech Therapy: A speech therapist can provide targeted exercises and techniques to improve your speech clarity.
• Dental Consultation: Your dentist can ensure that your dentures fit correctly and make adjustments if necessary. For those needing dentures in Plano, TX, finding a local expert can make a significant difference.

Mastering speech with dentures takes practice and patience, but these exercises make it easier. By incorporating tongue twisters, lip strengthening, and other techniques into your routine, you’ll build confidence and clarity. Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if needed. Remember, the key to success is consistency. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll speak with ease and confidence, no matter what.