Prior to receiving your dentures, you may have eagerly looked forward to getting your new prosthetic. Perhaps you had a mental list of foods that you were hoping to enjoy with your new teeth. Now that you have your dentures, though, you might have found that eating with them is a bit more challenging than you anticipated. Do not worry. There are some things you can do to adapt to them. Hopefully, you will soon reach the point where you can easily consume a wide variety of tasty foods!
Start with Soft Foods
It is normal for your gums to be tender and sore when you first start using your dentures. To keep your discomfort to a minimum, it would be best to stick to a soft diet for at least a few weeks. Items like applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs are all acceptable choices.
Be Careful with Hot Foods
If you have an upper denture, it can cover your palate and reduce your ability to sense the temperature of the foods you consume. If you accidentally eat something that is too hot, you could burn your mouth! Try to test the temperature of foods with your lips before placing them in your mouth.
Distribute Food Evenly on Both Sides of Your Mouth
Your dentures might become destabilized if you place a lot of pressure on one side. To help your prosthetic stay in its proper place, try to distribute food evenly across both sides of your mouth while you chew.
Bite Carefully
Because traditional dentures can become destabilized, it is important that you do not use their front teeth to bite directly into tough or hard foods. For example, instead of biting directly into a big piece of meat or an apple, cut it into small pieces first. Move the pieces directly to the back of your mouth for chewing.
Drink Plenty of Liquids
Sticky and starchy foods can collect on your dentures, which contributes to bad breath and a number of other oral hygiene problems. It is wise to drink plenty of water after meals to rinse away lingering food particles. Staying hydrated can also reduce the risk of dry mouth. Of course, drinking water is not a substitute for a thorough daily oral hygiene routine.
Call Your Dentist if You Need Help
Your dentist and their team want you to love your new dentures. Therefore, you should not hesitate to communicate with them about any struggles or concerns that you may have. They can offer personalized advice and guidance. With their assistance, it may not be long at all before eating with your dentures is an easy and natural part of your daily life!
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group, we have a long history of providing top-quality care to the communities we serve. We are proud to offer dentures and denture maintenance services. If you have questions about how you can succeed with your new teeth, we are ready to assist you! Contact our Hamden, CT, location at 203-587-7327.