Your new dentures look great, and your confidence is up. What a great decision it was to get them so that you’ve got a smile a mile wide. But what about eating at that steakhouse with your friend?
You’re still discovering the best techniques and foods to eat with your dentures. While your mouth and tongue may be used to your new addition, it’s going to require some alterations to how you are eating.
Keep reading to learn some tips to adjust to eating with dentures in Round Rock.
Begin with Easy Eating
Start with soft foods and cut them into small pieces, or maybe thin strips. It’s necessary to use both sides of your mouth to chew and try to go slower. If you eventually progress to foods like steak, pizza, and bagels, expect to chew each bite much longer so you can fully break it down. It will be much easier if you replace tough red meats with poultry, fish, and eggs –or at least turn to stewed or slow-cooked meats.
Bite Carefully
If you need to bite down on food such as an apple, use your canine teeth instead of your front teeth. Avoid biting down with your front teeth, because it will cause your dentures to move around and make your gums sore.
Practice Makes Perfect
It may take weeks to get comfortable eating with your dentures, but you’ll get there. As you make progress, you’ll be able to eat firmer foods. Always make the effort to chew on both sides of your mouth simultaneously. While still in the adjustment period, don’t chew gum and try to avoid hot foods or meals with sharp bones.
Stay Away from Sticky Foods
Items that are sticky (caramel, taffy, peanut butter, raisins) or hard can damage your dentures. Also try to stay away from nuts or seeds, since they can get under your dentures and cause irritation.
Choose Your Adhesive Accordingly
Denture adhesives in glue form tend to provide the greatest stability but can make cleaning difficult. Adhesive seals and powders are easier to clean up and reduce the chances of gum irritation yet offer less stability.
It can seem like a lot to remember in the early days with your dentures, but before long it will come naturally to make smart decisions about your eating habits. You’ll learn through experience which items are easy to eat and which ones are difficult or even not worth the trouble. When in doubt, ask your dentist in Round Rock for advice on foods to include or avoid.
About the Author
Dr. Mike Asay understands the importance of helping his patients feel at ease and being a good listener. As a youth, he knew a family friend who was a dentist and truly loved the profession. That inspired Dr. Asay to enroll in a predental course and begin the journey that led him to Chisholm Trail Dental Health. If you are considering getting new or replacement dentures, Dr. Asay has extensive training in restorative dentistry and he promises a set that looks good, fits well, and is durable. He offers full, partial, and implant dentures. For a consultation, visit his website or call (512) 244-2796.