Eating With Dentures for the First Time

When you first get your new teeth, you may be thinking, "Can you eat normally with dentures?"

It can take several weeks to get adjusted to a new set of dentures. They can be quite uncomfortable in the beginning and cause sensitive and sore gums, so eating with dentures for the first time can often seem like an impossible task. However, try to remember that the immediate discomfort you may be experiencing is only temporary.

Learning to eat with dentures can initially seem challenging, but there are several tips on how to eat with dentures that will help you along the way. By following the advice outlined in this blog, you will be enjoying your favorite foods again in no time!

Start Slowly With Soft Foods

A general rule of thumb for new denture wearers is to start slowly with soft foods. Any food that requires excessive chewing can place undue stress on the underlying gum tissue, increase the risk of inflammation and irritation, and alter the healing process.

A mechanical soft diet, or any food mechanically altered by blending, chopping, grinding, or mashing, is usually recommended until your gums adapt to the dentures. These foods are much easier to chew and swallow and still provide the necessary nutrition without stressing your jaw muscles or compromising your gums.

Some dietary suggestions can include:

● Scrambled eggs 🥚, yogurts, soft or cottage cheese, shaved deli meats, egg or tuna salad, broiled or poached fish, mashed potatoes 🥔🔨, applesauce, soft fruits like bananas 🍌 or melon🍈, pasta 🍝, rice 🍚, oatmeal🥣, pancakes 🥞, soft muffins🧁or rolls, and more.

You may hear some denture wearers say that dentures can alter the taste of foods, especially bitter or salty foods. This is mainly due to the roof of your mouth being covered by the upper denture. Not to worry, most of your taste buds are on your tongue, and your sense of taste should improve with time.

Tip For Eating With New Dentures

Chewing with new dentures at first can be tricky. You may find that it's quite easy to accidentally bite your cheeks. Eating slowly helps prevent this from happening and can also prevent the dentures from slipping or moving around in your mouth. You will also want to cut your food up into small pieces. The smaller the bite, the better.

There's no easy and quick tip - it's all about what works best for you and makes you most comfortable.

Important Tips for First Time Denture Wearers

Dentures are prosthetics, and they require lots of patience and practice. Transitioning back to a normal diet can be intimidating and scary, but there are a few tips that can help make this transition easier. 

1. One of the most important tips for eating with new dentures is to always check your foods' temperature. It's difficult to judge temperatures due to the insulating effect that dentures have, so really hot foods can burn your mouth. Be sure to test hot foods on your lips before you put them in your mouth.

2. With new dentures, you will face a learning curve of how to detect and feel food in your mouth. Use your tongue to help feel for the location of your food. 

3. Always keep a drink nearby. Some foods may stick to your teeth, so eating with liquids makes them easier to chew and swallow which can prevent choking.

4. Sit down while you eat. When you are standing up and eating you are more likely to rush through a meal. This could result in you gulping down food before it has been chewed properly.

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

6. Avoid gummy or sticky foods. Anything like caramel, taffy, marshmallow snacks, or peanut butter can stick to your molars or your chewing teeth and dislodge your dentures.

7. Avoid hard-to-chew meats. Red meats can be tough to chew. Replace those with eggs, fish, poultry, legumes, or slow-cooked and stewed meats.

8. A little soreness is normal and to be expected as the muscles in your cheeks and mouth get accustomed to keeping your dentures in place.

9. Avoid spicy foods at first. If you have irritated gums or sores from your new dentures, anything spicy can cause stinging or burning.

10. Lastly, do not hold liquids in your mouth as doing so can increase the chances of loosening your bottom dentures.

TIP FOR 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 your "sweet spot.” This sweet spot is where you’ll want to apply pressure when biting into foods and is generally located on each side of your canine teeth. With a little practice, you'll find the perfect spot to apply pressure. It's also important to note that using your front teeth to bite into food can make your dentures pop loose.

It can take several weeks or more to adapt to new dentures. They require a lot of patience and practice, but remaining positive and being vigilant is important. Give yourself a little grace whenever appropriate, and you will find that your level of confidence will be higher.

How to Keep Dentures from Falling Out When Eating

Your dentist will give you the green light to use denture adhesive once all of your sutures have dissolved. Adhesive forms a seal around the perimeter of your dentures to prevent liquids and food particles from getting stuck underneath. It also holds your dentures in place and offers an easier eating experience.

After extractions, your gums begin shrinking. Over time this causes your dentures to loosen 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 from extractions, providing a better bite and easier chewing.

This is so important while your gums are still going through 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!