Eating with dentures is not like eating with natural teeth. If you chew on one side of your mouth only, there is a risk that it will come off and slide off, and foods of a certain consistency can break or displace it. So, be patient and give yourself a couple of weeks to get used to it. You will need to avoid certain foods, but by learning a few tricks in the kitchen, you can continue to enjoy most of your favorite dishes.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting used to the Denture
Step 1. Chew with both sides of your mouth
Food should be distributed in the posterior lateral areas of the mouth or in the anterior corners. Chew slowly with both sides. In this way, the dentures will more easily stay in place and the pressure will be about the same.
Step 2. Avoid chewing with your front teeth
If you try to bite into food with your front teeth, there is a risk that the dentures will move. Rather, bite using the side ones and use your tongue to bring the food to the back of the mouth. Chew well and slowly before swallowing.
Step 3. Get used to dentures by following a liquid food diet
If you've never carried it before, you will probably have a hard time eating solid foods. Therefore, consume liquid, nutrient-rich foods, such as fruit, vegetables, or milk (of animal or plant origin). Then move on to fruit and vegetable purees, such as apple puree or compotes. Other great choices include:
- Herbal teas or coffee sweetened with honey.
- Soups, broths or bisque (making sure there are no coarsely cut pieces).
Step 4. Switch to a soft food diet
At this point, they will be easier to chew and swallow. If necessary, cut or mash the food before eating it. In addition to the dishes considered in the liquid diet, you can also keep in mind:
- Soft cheeses, eggs, mashed potatoes, minced meat, cooked legumes.
- Soft fruit, boiled rice and pasta.
- Bread and cereals softened with milk or water.
Part 2 of 3: Consume Your Favorite Foods
Step 1. Use the denture adhesive
With this system you will prevent food particles from sticking between the dentures and the gums. Make sure the prosthesis is dry and clean. Then, apply small strips of adhesive to the side that contacts your mouth. Do not spread it too close to the edges, otherwise it will come out. Start with a small amount and gradually add as needed.
This operation may be necessary especially for the lower part of the denture, which risks detaching from the gum with the movements of the tongue. Ask your dentist for specific recommendations based on what you eat
Step 2. Cut hard food into small pieces
Instead of biting into a raw apple or carrot directly, slice it so you can chew it easily. Remove the corn kernels from the cob with a sharp knife. Remove the crust from the pizza or bread. If you learn to eat most foods differently, you won't have to give them up.
Step 3. Steam the vegetables
In this way they will keep their flavor and, at the same time, have a softer, but all in all crunchy texture. Pour 2-3 cm of water into the bottom of a large saucepan. Put it on the stove over high heat and let it boil. Add a steamer basket and place fresh vegetables on top. Close the pot with the lid and let them soften for about 10 minutes.
Part 3 of 3: Avoiding Certain Foods
Step 1. Refrain from solid foods that are too hard in texture
Dentures can break easily if you put too much pressure on them. So, avoid foods that require a certain amount of strength to chew properly, including croutons, cereal bars, and nuts.
You could replace walnuts with pitted olives, which are also a great source of healthy fats
Step 2. Avoid sticky foods too
They can get stuck and stick between the dentures and gums. There is also a risk of them coming off, causing pain and discomfort. Avoid chewing gum, toffee, chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter.
Hummus is an excellent alternative to peanut butter. It's spreadable and high in protein without being sticky
Step 3. Don't eat foods that contain small particles
Fruit with seeds could easily get stuck between the dentures and gums. Therefore avoid strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and grapes. You should also refrain from desserts and products topped with seeds on the crust, including poppy seed muffins, sesame seed sandwiches, and kaiser bread.
Replace seed-rich fruit with blueberries and seedless grapes. If you can't help but eat baked goods topped with seeds, choose bread, buns or cakes made with seed flours or ground cereals
Advice
- If you wear dentures on your upper teeth, you may feel at first that the flavors have changed. However, this sensation won't last forever since most of the taste depends on the taste buds on the tongue. Talk to your dentist if this situation doesn't improve within a few weeks.
- As an alternative to the adhesive, you can use creams and powders that keep the dentures firm. Ask your dentist for some advice.
Warnings
- If you try to eat solid foods before getting used to dentures, you risk swallowing badly chewed foods and choking.
- Refrain from solid foods on the first day you wear dentures. It may break easily when you chew hard food.
