If you are a new denture wearer, you are probably still adjusting to your new dental appliance. While it’s true that today’s modern dentures are much more comfortable than earlier versions, it still takes time and patience to get used to wearing them. One thing you’ll no doubt notice right away is that eating certain foods can be a little challenging, so you’ll need to practice some caution at mealtime. Whether you’re a new denture wearer or not, you’re likely to find these eating tips helpful in your day-to-day life:
- You’ll need to eat more slowly to ensure that you’re chewing your food completely before swallowing. This is especially true for new denture wearers who aren’t yet accustomed to their new appliances. It’s helpful to start with foods that are a little easier to chew, then move on to the more difficult-to-chew foods at the end of the meal.
- There are certain foods that pose a particular challenge for denture wearers; foods such as corn on the cob, whole fruits, some cuts of meat, and anything too sticky or chewy. Eventually, once you get used to your dentures, you should be able to enjoy most foods. But to begin with, you might want to avoid these altogether.
- There are some foods that are difficult even for seasoned denture wearers. Salads and green leafy vegetables in general are hard to chew with dentures. So you may have to opt for cooked vegetables, for example, instead of salads.
- Cut food into very small pieces, which will make it easier to chew. You should also try to chew on both sides of your mouth at the same time, rather than favoring one side or the other.
- Avoid using your front teeth to bite off chunks of food (imagine tearing off a chunk of chewy bread or biting into an apple, for instance).
- If you’re still getting used to your dentures, practice eating some foods at home first, before you indulge in public. This may save you some embarrassing moments at the dinner table or lunch counter.
If your dentures are slipping a lot, or if you’re experiencing irritated gums or any other type of pain or discomfort associated with your dentures, talk to your dentist. It’s possible that your dentures need to be adjusted in order to fit more comfortably. Your dentist may also recommend some type of denture adhesive to help keep your appliance in place. It may take some time, but eventually, you’ll be able to enjoy the vast majority of your favorite foods. Dentures take some getting used to, but it is well worth it since they can also greatly improve the quality of your life!