Can You Eat With Dentures? Everything You Need To Know

Contents hide

1 The first few weeks of eating with dentures

2 Chewing techniques

3 Cleaning your dentures after meals

4 Tips for denture wearers

4.1 Commit yourself to using them

4.2 Make sure your dentures never get dry

4.3 Speaking exercises

4.4 References

Adjusting to life with dentures can be overwhelming, particularly if you’re a novice. Nonetheless, with the right technique and maintenance procedure in place, you don’t have to forgo your favourite meals. You are still able to bite into crunchy or sticky foods without any worries. To ensure successful dining experiences just like your natural teeth when eating with dentures, here is what needs to be done:

The first few weeks of eating with dentures

Initially, it may take some time to become accustomed to wearing dentures. To ease the transition and help maintain their positioning, soft foods such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, slow-cooked meats, whole grain bread, applesauce and yoghurt should be consumed during this adjustment period. Avoid eating very hot foods or hot liquids and prefer soft foods. Once your mouth has developed a familiarity with having dentures in place for longer periods of time, you can gradually begin introducing other solid foods back into your diet.

Chewing techniques

To make your eating experience more enjoyable with dentures, try taking smaller bites and masticating on both sides of your mouth at once to ensure even pressure. This will also help avoid the accumulation of food in hard-to-reach crevices located between gums and appliances. Furthermore, steer clear of sticky or difficult-to-masticate foods such as popcorn kernels and caramels; these could cause harm if they wedge themselves underneath your plate or dislodge from their position in your mouth. It is best to chew slowly in the first few days after getting dentures.

Cleaning your dentures after meals

To keep your dentures in optimal condition, it is essential to rinse them with lukewarm water after every meal and then brush them thoroughly using a soft-bristled brush specially designed for cleaning dentures. Remember that you should not be brushing your teeth with toothpaste as it can be too abrasive; opt instead for a cleanser exclusively made for dental appliances. In addition, it is essential to cleanse the food particles that have lodged around the gum line. The bacteria in these particles can cause severe irritation and infection if neglected. To avoid this issue, try soaking your dentures overnight in a dental solution so they will be free of bacteria or leftover denture adhesive when not worn during the day.

Tips for denture wearers

If you want to become accustomed to your dentures quickly, here are some useful tips for new denture wearers.

Commit yourself to using them

To become comfortable with your newly-fitted dentures, make sure to use them regularly.

Make sure your dentures never get dry

Dentures must be frequently submerged in either water or a specialised soaking solution for maximum cleanliness.

Speaking exercises

Don’t be disheartened if your pronunciation is off as you start getting used to wearing dentures. It requires practice for the muscles in your cheeks, lips, and tongue to adjust when speaking with them on. Have confidence that, eventually, you will rid yourself of any lisping.

Contact our friendly prosthetists, Andre and Pierre, at Custom Denture Clinic and have all your questions answered by them. Book an appointment with us today.

Buderim: (07) 5317 1023
Caloundra: (07) 5315 8076

References

Dental health and dentures
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-dentures

False Teeth- what you should know
https://www.healthline.com/health/false-teeth