Millions of Americans across the country are dealing with tooth loss. It can make it difficult to do some of the most simple tasks, like eat, drink, and keep saliva in your mouth. Fortunately, there are several tooth replacement options out there to help people get their smiles back. Dentures are a popular option because of their numerous benefits. Read on to learn some tips for enjoying all of your favorite foods this summer with your new smile.
Choose Softer Foods
When you first get your dentures, it will take some time to get used to eating with them. It’s possible that your gums will feel sore for the first couple weeks as you adjust to them. As you are growing accustomed to your new smile, try to choose softer foods, like applesauce, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and other foods of similar consistency.
Be Cautious with Hot Foods
If you like to enjoy coffee, tea, or another hot food or beverage, you should be careful. Dentures can have an insulating effect on your mouth, and you may not realize that a food or drink is too hot for you to consume. You don’t want to have to deal with burns on the soft tissues in your mouth. If you are eating something after heating it up, be sure that you double check the temperature and only take smaller bites.
Cut Your Food into Small Bites
You shouldn’t try to take bites that are too big. This can be hard on your jaw, gums, and dentures. Even though it may not be quite the same as biting corn right off the cob, by cutting the kernels off, you could save yourself from struggling. Try cutting up your food before you begin eating it. This way, you can eat at your own pace.
Drink Plenty of Water
Starchy, carb-heavy foods easily stick to your dentures. To prevent this, make sure that you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day so you can rinse away food particles that could otherwise get stuck to your smile.
Be Picky About Meat
Many of us like to enjoy grilled and barbequed meats this season, but some of them are harder to chew on than others. When you first get your dentures, you should probably avoid things like steak and ribs. Try sticking to ground and slow-cooked meats at first until you get a hang of them.
Consider Switching to Dental Implants
If you find eating with traditional dentures to be too difficult, schedule an appointment with to talk to your dentist about dental implants. Instead of being supported by the gums, implant dentures are anchored into the jawbone with titanium posts. This allows for greater stability, prevents bone loss, and gives you more chewing power. Once they have healed completely, you should have no issues eating your favorite summer treats.
Dentures can make your like much easier, but you should still be taking some precautions, especially right after you get them. This way, you can show off your beautiful new smile while still enjoying the delicious foods that the season has to offer.
About the Author
Dr. Mike Asay earned his dental doctorate from Baylor College of Dentistry on an academic scholarship after scoring in the 99th percentile on the Dental Admission Test. He is passionate about continuing education and is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. For more information on dentures or to schedule an appointment at his office in Round Rock, visit his website or call (512) 244-2796.