How to Eat With Partial Dentures? Know the Best Diet Options

thPartial dentures are known to be a replacement for your missing teeth. At first, it can be difficult to get used to wearing new partial dentures like any other oral appliance.

However, with the help of your dentist, you will be able to adjust quickly and feel normal again when doing things such as eating food.

If you are unsure of what you can and cannot eat while wearing partial dentures, then it is helpful to know some tips beforehand. Additionally, keep in mind that special care is required for partial dentures during the adjustment period.

Eating with a partial denture can be a daunting task, but with some practice and patience, you will eventually gain the confidence to do so. We’ll discuss a few tips on how to eat with partial dentures and what your best food options are.

How To Eat With Partial Dentures? 

Starting slowly with your dentures is the best way to avoid any mouth discomfort. At first, handle them as much as you feel comfortable with before gradually increasing the amount of time you’re using them throughout the day. Don’t try to rush the process, as this will only lead to pain. With time, you should be able to eat almost anything, just like before you got dentures.

Start with soft foods

Softer foods are ideal to start with, especially if you’ve recently had tooth extractions, as is the case with immediate dentures. Sore spots will crop up eventually, but in meantime, sticking to foods like smoothies and mashed potatoes, pudding, apple sauce, yoghurt, oatmeal, and soup broths is a good idea. 

Chew on both sides

One of the things you’ll have to get used to is chewing on both sides of your mouth. Most people chew with only one side, but if you do that, it will make your dentures wobble, and they could come loose. The rocking motion can break any suction (from your palate) or adhesive bonds holding the denture in place. Chewing on both sides makes it easier to distribute the biting forces more evenly. 

Limit using front teeth

If you don’t have implant-retained dentures, avoid using your front teeth to bite into foods. This will also put too much pressure on the front part of your denture and could make the back part come loose. Cut food into small pieces that can be placed at the back of your mouth while eating instead. To learn more about the dental implant process, visit this link.

Use denture adhesive

The adhesive is an excellent way to stabilise a denture that is either loose or does not fit well. It can be used on both upper and lower dentures and will help keep the denture in place. Remember to clean out any adhesive from your denture every night before going to sleep. 

Suggested diets for denture wearers

It is important to keep in mind that diets for denture wearers should include plenty of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients. Dairy products are also beneficial as they help strengthen bones and teeth. We already mentioned a few options to start with, but once you get used to your denture, you can start adding more food to your diet.

Try foods such as:

• Pasta
• Rice
• Soup with soft meats and vegetables
• Soft bread
• Fish (no skin)
• Cooked beans
• Slow-cooked, tender meats
• Ground meats
• Protein spread (like peanut butter)
• Ripe fruits
• Cooked vegetables 

Foods to avoid

If you want your dentures to last longer, it is important to avoid difficult, crunchy, hard or sticky foods. These foods may cause the denture to come loose or even break. These certain foods, such as:

• Nuts (hard shell)
• Popcorn 
• Chips
• Hard candy 
• Ice cubes

Eating with partial dentures can be difficult at first but can become easier with practice and patience. Dietary suggestions for denture wearers should not be disregarded as it helps to maintain the long-term health of your mouth. With the right tips and suggestions from your dentist, you’ll be able to adjust quickly and start eating normally again in no time!

Making regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and maintenance is essential for anyone wearing dentures to ensure they are in good condition.

If you’d like to know more about dentures, make sure to contact our friendly team at Custom Denture Clinic and schedule an appointment soon!

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

References

Eating advice for complete denture wearers
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-022-4008-1

Mechanical Soft Diet
https://patient.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/363

Denture Wearing and Malnutrition Risk Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/1/151