Tips on Getting Used to Eating with New Dentures
It takes time to get used to eating with dentures. The following tips can ease you into the process so you can transition into wearing dentures and eating the foods you love. The first rule of thumb, especially when eating, is to take it easy. While you may be excited by the prospect of eating foods you could not chew previously, you still need to use care as you adapt to your dentures.
Begin with Soft Foods
Because soft foods do not require extra chewing, they should be eaten when you first get your dentures. Red meat, raw carrots, or crackers exert added stress on the gums, which can increase the risk of inflammation or irritation.
Begin with a mechanical soft food diet. Eat foods, such as cooked cereals, puddings, apple sauce, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes. These foods provide you with nutrition without placing pressure on the muscles in the jaws.
Check the Temperature of the Foods
Because of the insulating effect of dentures, it sometimes is hard to tell when a food is extra hot. Therefore, you need to test cooked foods on your lips before placing them in your mouth.
Don’t Hold Liquids Inside the Mouth
If you hold a beverage in the mouth too long, it can loosen the bottom denture. Therefore, swallow your beverage as soon as you drink it to ensure this does not happen.
Don’t Eat Spicy Foods
Any sores or irritations from your dentures will just become more pronounced if you eat foods with hot chilies or spices.
Do Cut Solid Foods in Small Pieces
Once you are ready to eat solid foods, you need to cut the food in small pieces. Eat your meals sitting at a table, and give yourself plenty of time to eat. Don’t eat on the run, as doing so can lead to your dentures slipping.
Chew Slowly and on Both Sides of the Mouth
When you have dentures, you can stabilize and keep them in place by chewing on both sides of the mouth and doing so slowly. Make sure you chew your food thoroughly so you don’t choke on it.
Drink a Beverage as You Eat
In some cases, whole grain cereals or bread may stick to your dentures. To prevent this from happening, drink a beverage as you eat. This will also make the foods easier to eat and swallow.
Veer Clear of Tough Meats
Replace tough meats like steak with easier-to-eat protein, such as eggs, fish, poultry, and legumes. Another good choice is slow-cooked or stewed meats.
Don’t Eat Gummy or Sticky Foods
Foods, such as caramel, taffy, marshmallows, raisins, and peanut butter can dislodge your dentures, so they should be eaten with caution, if eaten at all.
Do you need new dentures? If so, call us about your options. Phone River Valley Smile Center today at 479-646-0706. Visit us on Facebook.
