Learning to eat with dentures can be a challenge at first. But with a little bit of patience and some consideration, you’ll be back to normal in no time! Here are three habits that will help you on your way:
Start Slow
When you initially get your dentures, give yourself time to get used to them. Eat soft foods that won’t cause strain. Cutting those foods into bite-sized pieces will also help the chewing process. Some patients find it helpful to cut their food into thin strips and use both sides of their mouth to chew at the same time. Once you become accustomed to chewing, you can slowly start to introduce more foods.
Shift Focus
Keep in mind that food may taste and feel differently than it did before dentures. You will need to get used to this new way of eating. Stay away from hard or sticky foods and be careful that your beverages aren’t too hot. On top of the types of foods you eat, you may notice that how you eat will shift. Biting with your front teeth can cause the dentures to become unstable, so you should use your canines instead.
Keep Them Clean
For the most comfort, you need to implement a regular care routine. The great thing about dentures is that you can pop them out to clean them instead of struggling to get at those hard to reach places. A soft-bristled toothbrush will do wonders to remove food deposits and prevent staining. While you are cleaning your dentures, don’t forget about your mouth! Brush your gums and tongue to ensure that they aren’t collecting any unwanted bacteria.
Broken down into steps, eating with dentures isn’t so hard after all! And of course, once you get your dentures, we will be sure to answer all of your questions before you leave our office. After all, you chose to get dentures to improve your quality of life, and it’s our job to make that happen!
