Dentures continue to be one of the most popular methods of tooth replacement – and for good reason. They help patients eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence once again! Although you’ll want to put your new teeth to use the second you leave your appointment, they’re going to take some getting used to. Since the prosthetic sits on your gums, you may initially find it challenging to chew with them. Before you throw in the towel and say you’ll never be able to chew again, here are some useful tips to make eating with dentures easier.
What Are Dentures?
Did you know that there are three different types of dentures? Each one is custom-made to suit your needs and goals perfectly, giving you a natural-looking smile that you can enjoy for years. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
- Partial Dentures – These are an excellent choice for patients who have some healthy teeth left. Partials blend in with the remaining teeth and help maintain proper spacing.
- Full Dentures – If you’re missing an entire arch, full dentures can restore them. They’re held in place using natural suction.
- Implant Dentures – These are considered one of the best options for tooth replacement. They’re secured by prosthetic teeth roots, making things like eating a whole lot easier to do.
How to Make Eating with Dentures Easier
At first, you might find eating with dentures to be a challenging task. Luckily, you can master it by using the following tips:
Take It Easy
When you first get your new dentures, you’ll want to stick to a diet of soft foods. Pureed foods like applesauce, pudding, cooked cereal, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes are ideal because they don’t require excessive chewing. If you want to eat firmer foods, try cutting them into thin strips or small pieces before eating. Don’t forget to chew slowly with both sides of your mouth!
Eat Carefully
If you need to bite down on food, be sure to use your canines instead of your front teeth. It’ll keep your dentures from moving around and making your gums sore.
Keep Practicing
Have you ever heard the phrase ‘practice makes perfect’? It’s especially true when eating with dentures! One of the best (and only) ways to adjust more quickly is simply with plenty of practice. Over time, you’ll start to find it easier to chew your favorite foods.
Avoid Sticky, Chewy, Hard, Spicy Foods
Even when you feel confident with your eating abilities, you’ll still want to exercise caution with sticky, chewy, and spicy foods. They can easily damage your dentures or irritate your mouth, resulting in significant discomfort.
Are you having trouble eating with dentures? By following the tips outlined above, you’ll be indulging in all your favorite foods in no time!
About the Practice
At Sebastian Dental, we offer exceptional, state-of-the-art, individually tailored dental services to patients of all ages. Our team strives to provide dental care that’s guaranteed to exceed even your highest expectations. If you have any questions about eating with dentures, don’t hesitate to contact us for help. Visit our website or call (772) 388-0088 to speak to a member of our team.