What you should know about eating with dentures
It can take some time to adjust to the feeling of new dentures in your mouth.
If you have decided to get dentures, you can expect to enjoy improved oral health, as well as a more beautiful, natural-looking smile. But, it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about the change, and it can take some time to get used to any new oral appliance. You may be wondering what you can eat with dentures and how it will feel to bite and chew. Read on to find out more about life with dentures and what you can expect from the treatment.
Is it difficult to eat with dentures?
Dentures are an affordable and effective solution to tooth loss, and they remain a popular choice for those not suited to dental implants. That said, it can take some time to get used to the feeling of new dentures, and it is completely normal to experience some difficulty when eating, at least in the beginning stages of your treatment. It will take time for the muscles of your mouth and tongue to adjust to your dentures, but over time, oral functions like biting and chewing will become easier and easier.
How do you get used to eating with dentures?
When you first have your dentures fitted, it is advisable that you start by eating soft foods only. Cut your food into small, manageable pieces and avoid anything that requires too much chewing. When chewing, try to do so slowly and use both sides of your mouth as much as possible to distribute the force evenly.
When you bite down on foods, try to avoid using your front teeth, as this could cause your dentures to shift. Instead, use your canines.
It may feel frustrating if you find it difficult to eat, but try to remember that with just a bit of practice, biting and chewing will begin to feel natural and comfortable again.
What foods should you avoid with dentures?
As you adjust to the feeling of your new dentures, you will be able to incorporate more and more foods into your eating. Eventually, you will be able to eat most of your favourite foods and enjoy a balanced diet. However, there are a few foods best avoided altogether when you have dentures. These include foods that are particularly hard and/or sticky as these could cause damage to your appliances — think whole nuts, sticky and hard candy, popcorn, raw vegetables, and hard fruits like whole apples. It is also a good idea to avoid seeds and nuts that could get stuck under your dentures and cause irritation in your mouth.
How do you take care of dentures?
It is very important that you clean your dentures every day — remove them when doing so and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove food particles and plaque. You should also soak your dentures overnight to keep them clean and moist.
To really take care of your oral health, make it a point to brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth every time you remove your dentures for cleaning.
How can we help?
At Future Dental, we are available to support and guide our patients through their treatment of choice. If you are considering dentures but have questions or concerns about what to expect from the experience, we encourage you to come and see us so we can provide you with all the information you need.
We offer two main types of denture treatments — full dentures and partial dentures. The treatment that you choose will depend on your particular oral health needs, and your dentist will advise you on the best way forward.
If you would like to find out more about the denture services that we offer at Future Dental, please have a look here.
If you would like to come in for a consultation, please contact us here or give us a call at (07) 4051 4580.
