4 Tips for Eating with Dentures

Are you missing some or all of your teeth? If so, you may be considering dentures. These restorations can give you a lifelike smile and allow you to eat a more diverse diet. Even so, many people struggle when it comes to chowing down with their new restorations. If you’re one of those people, keep reading to learn four tips for eating with dentures.

Tip #1: Take It Slow

Take things slow while getting used to eating with dentures. They feel different than your natural teeth, so you will need to learn the proper way to eat with them. It’s also important to eat the right foods. this includes soft, nutritious things like:

• Applesauce or other cooked or pureed fruits and vegetables
• Cooked cereals, like porridge, grits, and oatmeal
• Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or veggies
• Yogurt, pudding, mousse, or gelatin
• Smoothies, milkshakes, or juice
• Smooth soups and broths
• Scrambled eggs

Tip #2: Practice Makes Perfect

Practice chewing your food at home before you go out for a night on the town. Cutting it into small, easy to chew pieces and eating small portions is key. Chew on both sides of your mouth, and avoid eating anything sharp or hot. At this point, you can start to incorporate firmer foods back into your diet. Some examples include:

• Soup with cooked vegetables or soft meats
• Cooked greens, like spinach or collards
• Soft, skinless fish
• Baked beans
• Soft bread
• Pasta
• Rice

Tip #3: Bite with Care

Pay attention to how you bite down with your dentures. Make sure to use your canines, not your front teeth. If you bite into food with your front teeth, this may cause your dentures to slip, which can lead to sore, uncomfortable gums.

Tip #4: Avoid Certain Foods

Even once you’ve gotten used to eating with dentures, there are still some foods that you should avoid since they may cause issues. Some foods that you shouldn’t eat with dentures are:

• Tough meats – Pork chops, steak, ribs, and other tough meats require a lot of chewing. This puts unnecessary stress on your gums and dentures. It may also cause your gums to become sore.
• Sticky foods – Gum, marshmallows, candy, peanut butter, and other sticky foods can get stuck to your dentures and move them out of place. This may cause food to get stuck under them, which can cause gum irritation.
• Foods with small pieces – These can present issues for those who wear dentures since they can’t easily be ground up or chewed. Examples include sesame seeds, popcorn kernels, and shelled nuts.
• Hard foods – Things like hard nuts, apples, celery, carrots, and corn on the cob require your dentures and jaw to apply uneven pressure. This may damage or dislodge your restorations.

About the Practice

Led by Dr. Hiren Shah, the team at Signature Smiles is eager to assist you on your journey toward achieving a happy, healthy smile. They provide their Edison-area patients with a wide range of dental services, including restorative, preventive, cosmetic, and emergency procedures. Are you new to wearing dentures? If so, they can also give you tips on eating with dentures to help you adjust to your new restorations. To schedule an appointment with Signature Smiles or for more information on their services, visit their website or call their office at (908) 829-0986.