Dentures can either consist of a full set of artificial teeth (to replace all of your missing teeth) or a partial set (to replace a few missing teeth) to restore your smile. Dentures are realistic, functional, affordable, and, perhaps best of all, allow you continue enjoying the foods you love. When dentures fit properly and are comfortable, they can improve your quality of life [1]. But what should you eat when you’re first learning to eat with your full or partial denture?
Here’s how you can ensure a smooth transition and work your way back to your regular diet!
Stick to Soft Foods
Dentures are designed to improve your ability to eat, but when first learning to eat foods with dentures, it can take some time to adjust to chewing [2]. Fortunately, there are plenty of tasty and healthy foods you can eat in the meantime.
Sticking to soft foods is your best bet to reduce discomfort and allow your mouth to adjust to your new dentures. These foods can include:
- Applesauce
- Oatmeal
- Pudding
- Smoothies
- Soups
- Yogurt
You can also enjoy scrambled eggs, fish, beans, and tofu for protein sources. It can take a few weeks to adjust to your new dentures, but everyone is different, and it may take you less time. Just be sure to take your time, and always check in with your dentist if you’re having any discomfort you feel is not normal.
Foods You Should Avoid
Although it can be tempting to start eating all the foods you’ve missed as soon as you get your new dentures, it’s best to avoid eating any hard or tough foods while you’re still learning to eat with your full or partial denture.
These foods can include hard fresh fruit—such as apples—crusty breads, tough meats, nuts, or sticky foods such as candy. Once you feel confident and comfortable eating with your dentures, you can begin to introduce these foods back into your diet.
Be Sure to Maintain Your Dentures Over Time
Like all dental restorations, dentures require maintenance over time [3]. Eventually, your dentures will need to be replaced. It’s important to check in with your dentist during your
regular checkups about the condition of your dentures. Over time, your dentures can warp or change shape and become uncomfortable, which is why maintaining your dentures and replacing them when necessary is essential.
If you’re learning to eat with dentures, don’t let the adjustment period discourage you. Soon, you’ll be eating all the foods you were able to enjoy with your natural teeth, and you’ll also enjoy increased confidence of being able to smile without worry!
Sources:
1. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/cggr/2019/3830267/
2. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2380084418803091
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20859555/
