Eating With Dentures for the First Time

When you first get your new dentures, you may wonder, "Can you eat normally with dentures?"

It can take several weeks to get adjusted to a new set of dentures. They can be quite uncomfortable in the beginning and cause sensitive and sore gums, so eating with dentures for the first time can often seem like an impossible task. However, it's important to remember that the discomfort is temporary, and with time, eating with dentures will become easier.

Learning to eat with dentures might take a little practice, but don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll share helpful tips on how to eat with dentures, so you can start enjoying your favorite foods again in no time.

Start Your Denture Journey with Soft Foods

A general rule of thumb for new denture wearers is to start slowly with soft foods. Foods that require excessive chewing can strain the gum tissue, increasing the risk of irritation, inflammation, and slowing the healing process.

A mechanical soft diet—foods that are blended, chopped, ground, or mashed—is often recommended until your gums adjust to the dentures. These foods are easier to chew and swallow, providing the necessary nutrition without putting stress on your jaw muscles or compromising your gums.

Some dietary suggestions for new denture wearers include:

• Scrambled eggs 🥚, yogurt, cottage cheese, shaved deli meats, egg or tuna salad, broiled or poached fish, mashed potatoes 🥔, applesauce, soft fruits like bananas 🍌 or melon 🍈, pasta 🍝, rice 🍚, oatmeal 🥣, pancakes 🥞, soft muffins 🧁 or rolls, and more.

You may hear some denture wearers mention that dentures can affect the taste of foods, especially bitter or salty ones. This is primarily because the upper denture covers the roof of your mouth. However, rest assured that most of your taste buds are located on your tongue, and your sense of taste should improve as you adjust to your dentures.

Helpful Tips for Eating with New Dentures

Chewing with new dentures can be tricky at first, and it’s common to accidentally bite your cheeks. Eating slowly helps prevent this and also minimizes the risk of dentures slipping or shifting in your mouth. It’s also a good idea to cut your food into small pieces—smaller bites are easier to manage.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution; it’s about finding what works best for you and makes you feel most comfortable as you adjust.

 

Important Tips to Know as a First-Time Denture Wearer

Dentures are prosthetics that require patience and practice to get used to. Transitioning back to a normal diet can feel intimidating, but with a few helpful tips, you can make the adjustment smoother and less stressful.

1. One of the most important tips for eating with new dentures is to always check the temperature of your food. Dentures can make it difficult to judge how hot food is, which increases the risk of burning your mouth. To avoid this, always test hot foods on your lips before putting them in your mouth.

2. With new dentures, there’s a learning curve in detecting and feeling food in your mouth. Use your tongue to help guide you and locate the food more easily.

3.  Always keep a drink nearby. Some foods may stick to your dentures, so having liquids on hand can help make chewing and swallowing easier, reducing the risk of choking.

4. Sit down while eating. Standing up can lead to rushing through your meal, increasing the chances of swallowing food before it’s properly chewed. Taking your time while seated ensures better digestion and helps prevent discomfort.

5. Steam your vegetables 🥬🥕🍅🥦🌶. Steaming makes them softer and easier to chew, helping you enjoy a wider variety of nutritious foods with your dentures.

6. Avoid gummy or sticky foods. Treats like caramel, taffy, marshmallows, or peanut butter can stick to your dentures, potentially dislodging them or making them harder to clean.

7. Avoid hard-to-chew meats. Red meats can be tough on dentures. Opt for softer alternatives like eggs, fish, poultry, legumes, or slow-cooked and stewed meats for easier chewing.

8. A little soreness is normal as your cheeks and mouth muscles adjust to keeping your dentures in place. This discomfort should subside as you become more accustomed to wearing them.

9. Avoid spicy foods at first. If you have irritated gums or sores from your new dentures, spicy foods can cause discomfort, stinging, or a burning sensation.

10. Lastly, avoid holding liquids in your mouth, as this can increase the risk of loosening your bottom dentures.

Evenly Distribute Food on Both Sides for Easier Chewing

Once you’re able to bite into solid foods, you’ll naturally discover your "sweet spot." This is the ideal area where you should apply pressure when biting, typically around each side of your canine teeth. With a bit of practice, you’ll find the perfect spot. It’s also important to avoid using your front teeth to bite into food, as this can cause your dentures to pop loose.

Adapting to new dentures can take several weeks or more, requiring patience and practice. Staying positive and mindful of your progress is key. Allow yourself some grace as you adjust, and over time, you’ll build more confidence.

How to Keep Dentures from Falling Out When Eating

Your dentist will recommend using denture adhesive once all your sutures have dissolved. Adhesive creates a seal around the perimeter of your dentures, preventing food and liquid from getting stuck underneath while keeping your dentures secure for a smoother eating experience.

After extractions, your gums naturally shrink over time, causing your dentures to loosen. Cushion Grip is a thermoplastic adhesive that not only keeps your dentures in place but also provides cushioning for added comfort. It fills the gap created by gum recession, improving your bite and making chewing easier.

This is especially important while your gums are still healing. The great advantage of this thermoplastic material is that you only need to apply it once. A single application can last anywhere from several days to a few weeks, eliminating the need for frequent reapplication of other adhesives. With Cushion Grip, you can finally enjoy eating comfortably and confidently!