When you start wearing dentures for the first time, you’ll probably experience some mixed emotions. You’ll likely be thrilled about your new smile and how the dentures affect your facial structure, but you’ll also confront some discomfort and challenges. Learning how to eat with dentures is one of the biggest obstacles you’ll face, as it often takes a couple of weeks or more to get used to biting and chewing with dentures in your mouth. Whether you’re anticipating the upcoming struggle or are currently in the midst of it, use the tips below to start enjoying your favorite foods again.
Tips for Dining with Dentures
Be patient.
Eating will inevitably take longer with dentures because you can only apply about 15 to 20 percent of your normal chewing force when you’re wearing dentures. In addition, it may take you some time to get used to eating with dentures and to figure out which foods are doable and which aren’t. Be patient with yourself as you adjust to this new way of life.
Start with soft foods.
Don’t worry — you won’t be eating soup and mashed potatoes forever. But at the start, you may find it more comfortable to only eat very soft foods, and then you can gradually add more texture and variety. Soft options include protein smoothies, soup, breads, pasta, mashed potatoes, applesauce, hummus, and eggs. To gradually add some variety, try slow-cooked meats, cooked veggies, and rice.
Cut food into small bites.
You’ll likely be using your fork and knife more often with dentures. Why? Cutting your food into small bites can make it much easier to eat while wearing dentures. You won’t have to chew each piece for as long, and you also won’t put as much pressure on your gums while they’re adjusting to the dentures.
Chew food slowly using both sides of your mouth.
If you’re like most people, you typically chew with food on one side of your mouth or the other. If you do this with dentures, however, they may slip out of place. To keep them balanced, try keeping some foods on both sides of your mouth as you chew. In addition, chew slowly and carefully. Over time, this will become second nature.
Add a bit of adhesive.
Applying a small amount of denture adhesive can give you some extra stability. Although you may not need to do this forever, at the start, it can help you get used to the feeling of eating with dentures.
Cook and/or slice fruits and vegetables.
Fruits and vegetables are among the foods that are much harder to eat with dentures because they’re often tough in their fresh, raw form. Of course, they’re also chock full of vitamins and nutrients and vital for your overall health, so it’s important that you learn how to eat them with dentures. One way to improve the experience is to cook them well, making them softer. You can also chop them into smaller pieces that are easier to chew.
You may need to remove and rinse your dentures from time to time.
Sometimes, small pieces of food will find their way under your dentures while you’re eating. When this happens, simply remove the denture, rinse it with water, and reinsert it.
Drink water while eating.
If foods are frequently getting stuck to your dentures, make sure that you always drink water while eating. Taking a swig of water after swallowing can help the food go down.
Avoid chewing hard objects.
We hope that you already avoid chewing on ice, pens, hard candy, and other hard foods and objects, as this habit can damage natural teeth as well as dentures. But if you don’t already, now is the time to start. To avoid a costly replacement fee and to protect your dentures from cracking or chipping, don’t chew on anything exceptionally hard.
Beware of hot liquids.
Who doesn’t love a steaming hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? Even so, it’s important you proceed with caution when you wear dentures. Because of the way they insulate and cover certain portions of your mouth, you may not realize something is too hot until it’s too late. Take a tiny sip before you gulp down a full swallow, or test the heat against your lips first.
In addition, don’t hold hot liquids in your mouth for too long as this can loosen your bottom dentures. Swallow quickly.
Be careful with tough and sticky foods.
Tough foods like red meat can be difficult to chew with dentures, so you may wish to stick with slow-cooked meat that’s softer and requires less chewing. You could also focus on easy-to-chew proteins like chicken, fish, and eggs.
In addition, be careful when eating sticky foods like candy and peanut butter. They’re more likely to get stuck between your dentures and gums, which means you’ll need to clean your mouth and dentures afterward and your gums may be a little sore. That doesn’t mean you can’t eat these foods, but be cautious about where and when you do.
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Learning how to eat with dentures is tricky, so be patient with yourself and expect a little soreness and frustration. Before you know it, you’ll be chomping and chewing without a care in the world!
If you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist in or near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Our team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. Schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!
P.S. You might find it helpful to check out our blog post Common Denture Problems.