Eating With Dentures for the First Time

When you first get dentures, eating can seem like an impossible task! Everything hurts. Your gums are sensitive and sore. And it can be quite uncomfortable! It may seem challenging at first, but some tips and tricks will help you along the way. By following the advice in this blog, you’ll be eating your favorite foods again in no time!

Initially Start With Softer Foods As You Get Used To Your Dentures

At first, you’ll want to avoid solid foods. These can damage your dentures or prevent your gums from healing properly. It’s important to start slowly with soft foods that require minimal chewing, then work your way up to solids—such as nuts or raw vegetables.

• In the first few days, stick to soups 🥣, mash potatoes 🥔🔨, egg 🥚, soft cheese 🧀, smoothies🥤
  and other softer food.

• Steam your vegetables 🥬🥕🍅🍎🥜🥦🌶 to make them softer and easier to chew.

Tip For Eating With New Dentures

It’s recommended to start by taking smaller bites. As you’re first learning to eat with your dentures, you’ll find that it’s quite easy to bite your cheeks accidentally. Eating slowly helps prevent this from happening. This can also help prevent the dentures from slipping or moving around in your mouth. The smaller the bite, the better.

You’ll want to cut your food up into small pieces. Some denture wearers find it quicker and easier to cut their food with scissors or smash their food in the first few weeks, making eating easier. There’s no hard and fast rule—it’s all about your convenience and what makes you most comfortable.

Tips for First Time Denture Wearers

Next, let's talk about some other tips you can use when learning to eat with dentures for the very first time. It can be intimidating and scary, but there are a few things you can do to make this transition easier. With new dentures, you’ll face a learning curve of how to detect and feel food in your mouth.

1. Always keep a drink nearby to help wash down food and prevent choking on any bites left unchewed.

2. Use your tongue to feel for the location of the food item--guiding it up against your dentures.

3. Pay close attention to the temperature of the food you eat. You can accidentally burn your throat, because the top denture covers the roof of the mouth, preventing you from being able to determine the food's temperature. A technique which may come in handy, would be testing the temperature of the food with your lips. Watch for other cues, such as steam, when dealing with hot food.

4. Lastly, dentures are prosthetics, and they require lots of patience and practice. Remaining positive is important. By giving yourself an ounce of grace whenever appropriate, you’ll find that your level of confidence will be higher.

TIP TO EATING SOLID FOOD WITH DENTURES: DISTRIBUTE FOOD ON BOTH SIDES OF THE MOUTH

Once you’re able to start biting into solid foods, you’ll naturally find what’s known as the "sweet spot.” This sweet spot is where you’ll want to apply pressure when biting into foods. Using your front teeth to bite into food will make the dentures pop loose. With a little practice, you’ll find the perfect spot to apply the pressure. Generally, this spot is on each side where your canine teeth are located.

How to Keep Dentures from Falling Out When Eating

Your dentist will give you the green light to use denture adhesive after all your sutures have dissolved. Adhesive forms a seal around the perimeter of the dentures, which prevents liquids and food particles from getting stuck underneath. It also holds your dentures in place which allows an easier eating experience. There are many different types of adhesives. 

After extractions, your gums begin shrinking. This causes your dentures to loosen over time and become unstable. Cushion Grip is a thermoplastic adhesive that holds your dentures in place, while providing cushion and comfort to your gums. Cushion Grip is used to fill in the space where your gums have receded since extractions, enabling a better bite and easier chewing. This is so important while your gums are still in the healing process.

The added benefit to this thermoplastic material, is you only need to apply it once. One application can last several days to a few weeks! And it ultimately eliminates the need to use other adhesives. With Cushion Grip, you can finally eat comfortably and confidently!