Whether you’ve got a full or partial set of dentures, you know there’s going to be some adjustment. Learning to speak, hold your mouth closed, and even eat all take some getting used to. Most people find it takes a few weeks to adjust to eating with new dentures, so it’s important to begin the process with patience. At Rockville Dental Arts, we recommend taking your adjustment to eating slowly, as jumping right back into your normal diet could lead to the potential that you’ll choke on food you haven’t fully chewed.
Have new dentures you’re still getting the hang of? Start slowly with soft foods and remember that adjusting to new dentures is a matter of time and practice. We’ve got 4 tips for learning how to eat with new dentures:
Start with a Liquid Diet
Although it sounds unpleasant, eating a liquid or soft-food diet after you’ve gotten fitted for your new dentures is the safest and easiest thing to do. Here are some tips for eating with new prosthetics: choose foods that are easier to chew, such as those that are soft, mashed, or stewed, to make the adjustment period more comfortable.
Milkshakes, protein drinks, applesauce, and soups without meat are all great choices for the first couple of days with your new dentures. Start out with the smoothest liquids you can, then gradually work your way up to things like vegetable soup with well-cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, and chunky applesauce—these foods are easier to chew and help new prosthetics wearers adapt. You’ll be able to re-learn how to chew fully with foods that pose less choking risk.
Also, start out with room-temperature foods. Your ability to discern which foods are too hot or too cold will be dulled a bit as your mouth adjusts to the dentures, so you want to take care not to burn your mouth or give yourself brain freeze.
Cut Your Food Small
When you’re ready to move on to solid foods, stick to softer foods cut into smaller pieces and take small bites. Well-cooked vegetables, baked apples, and baked potatoes are good choices at this stage. Take your time to be careful and thoroughly chew each bite before swallowing. Try to distribute the food evenly and chew with your mouth equally between the two sides of your mouth when you chew, which will keep your dentures more stable.
Adjust What & How You Eat
Breads, cereals, and other whole grains are great for your body, but they can be sticky on your new dentures. Rather than avoiding them altogether, eat them with a glass of water or other liquid to help you chew and swallow them more easily.
You may want to swap out tough red meat, such as steak, for a while, as it can be very difficult to fully chew. Transitioning over to poultry, fish, or eggs will give you the protein you need without the difficulty chewing. If you must eat red meat, choose stewed or slow-cooked preparations over grilled or baked.
Adjust What & How You Eat
Breads, cereals, and other whole grains are great for your body, but they can be sticky on your new dentures. Rather than avoiding them altogether, eat them with a glass of water or other liquid to help you chew and swallow them more easily. Be cautious with spicy foods, as they may cause oral sensitivity or discomfort; if you experience this, drink water to help neutralize the spicy sensation and reduce any uncomfortable feeling.
You may want to swap out tough red meat, such as steak, for a while, as it can be very difficult to fully chew. Tough foods in general can be uncomfortable to eat with new dentures, so consider stewing or slow cooking to make them softer. Transitioning over to poultry, fish, or eggs will give you the protein you need without the difficulty chewing. If you must eat red meat, choose stewed or slow-cooked preparations over grilled or baked.
Get a Grip
Once you’re comfortable eating most of your normal diet with dentures, you may decide to tackle more difficult foods such as corn on the cob. When trying new foods, you may notice your dentures feel different or even that your dentures feel loose, especially when eating certain foods. Using a denture adhesive can help you eat comfortably and feel more secure during meals.
Most denture adhesives will hold for up to 12 hours, meaning you’ll be good from breakfast until dinner. Additionally, because your dentures will be held onto your gums, you’re less likely to get food particles stuck under your dentures, making you more comfortable.
Regular checkups with your dentist are important to ensure your dentures continue to fit well and provide lasting comfort.
Managing Temperatures with Dentures
When wearing dentures, it’s important to be mindful of the temperature of your food and drinks. New denture wearers often find that their ability to sense heat or cold in the mouth is reduced, which can make it easier to accidentally burn or irritate your gums. Hot liquids like coffee, tea, or soup can feel less intense at first, so always take a small sip to test the temperature before taking a bigger drink. The same goes for hot foods—let them cool slightly and check with a gentle touch to your lips before eating. On the other hand, extremely cold foods or drinks can also cause discomfort or sensitivity, especially during the initial adjustment period. Start with small amounts and gradually work your way up as your mouth gets used to your new dental appliance. By being cautious with temperatures, denture wearers can avoid unnecessary irritation and continue to enjoy their favorite foods and drinks while maintaining good oral health.
Building Confidence in Eating
Gaining confidence in eating with new dentures is a process that takes patience and practice. For new denture wearers, starting with soft foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, or creamy soups can make the transition smoother and help you get used to your new dental appliance. As you become more comfortable, slowly introduce firmer foods, always remembering to chew slowly and use both sides of your mouth to keep your dentures stable. Avoiding sticky or hard foods, such as red meat, nuts, or chewy candies, can help prevent gum irritation and discomfort while you’re still adjusting. If you’re eager to try your favorite foods again, start with small portions and less spicy or hard foods, gradually increasing as your confidence grows. With these eating tips, you’ll soon find yourself enjoying a wider variety of foods and feeling more at ease with your new dentures.
Maintaining Denture Health
Keeping your dentures clean and well-maintained is key to comfortable and confident eating. Denture wearers should make it a habit to clean their dentures daily using a soft-bristle brush and a gentle soap or denture cleaner to remove food particles and prevent gum irritation. Soaking your dentures overnight in a denture solution helps keep them fresh and ready for the next day. It’s also wise to avoid certain foods—especially sticky or hard foods—that can damage your dentures or cause discomfort to your gums. Regular dental checkups are important to ensure your dentures fit properly and to address any issues before they become bigger problems. To support your oral health, drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet that includes soft fruits, cooked vegetables, and protein-rich foods. By following these tips, new denture wearers can maintain their dentures in top condition and enjoy eating with confidence every day.
Expert Fitted New Dentures in Rockville, MD
At Rockville Dental Arts, we want your smile to match your inner confidence. That’s why we go the extra mile to make sure your dentures fit and feel great so you can go through life without worrying about embarrassing slips. It’s important to visit a dentist regularly for checkups and adjustments to ensure your dentures continue to fit properly and to address any issues with your teeth or comfort. For further tips for new denture wearers, explore our expert advice to help you adjust comfortably and confidently.
For those seeking a more secure fit and improved function similar to natural teeth, implant supported dentures are an excellent option that can restore your ability to eat and speak with confidence. Schedule your denture consultation today!
Call our Office at 301-424-2030 Today to achieve your new smile with the help of professional dental care!