Eating is a big part of our everyday life, but it can sometimes feel different when using dentures. If you have just started to wear them, you may often ask, “Can I eat with false teeth?” The positive answer is YES, but practice makes perfect. Initially, it may feel slightly uncomfortable to chew with dentures. However, with the proper techniques, you can enjoy your favorite foods again.
This post will discuss what to expect when eating with dentures, which foods to avoid, and ways to make the process easier. Whether you are a full or partial denture wearer, this will help increase your comfort when eating. So, let’s get started!
Eating With Dentures: What to Expect
When you first wear dentures, eating may seem different. It takes time for your mouth to adjust, and your gums are sensitive. Food may not taste the same, at least for a while. This is due to the dentures covering your palate, the roof of your mouth, which houses most of your taste buds. With time, you will find your sense of taste returning.
First, chewing with dentures can make it challenging to feel. Since dentures are not as strong as natural teeth, you need to use both sides of your mouth to chew equally. It helps to keep dentures in place while eating. In addition, sticky or stiff foods can be difficult to handle initially to avoid dentures. But don’t worry. With practice, you will have a habit of eating with dentures, and it will begin to feel natural.
Best Foods to Eat When You Have New Dentures
In the first week, it’s best to stick to soft meals for dentures, which can be easy to chew and comfortable on your gums.
Soft Foods to Start With
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Cooked and tender vegetables
- Ground meat or fish
- Blended soups
These foods are less chewy and ideal for first-time denture wearers. As you get accustomed to eating, you can gradually add firmer foods. Just take small bites and chew carefully to learn how to keep dentures in place while eating.
Foods to Avoid With Dentures
You can eat most foods with dentures, but some are difficult to chew, or they can be damaged. Most people ask the question of whether we can eat popcorn with dentures. So, here’s the answer:
Stiff or Sharp
- Nuts and seeds
- Hard candies
- Popcorn
- Raw carrots and apples
These foods require a lot of power to chew, which can slip or feel uncomfortable.
Sticky or Chewy Foods
- Caramel and sticky candy
- Denture-safe chewing gum (Instead of regular gum)
- Peanut butter
- Dried fruits
Sticky foods tend to pull at your dentures and can be uncomfortable. If you love peanut butter, try to avoid eating a thick layer.
Tough Meats
- Steak
- Pork chops
- Tough chicken
These are difficult to chew with meat dentures. If you want to eat them, cut them into small pieces and chew slowly.
Tips for Eating Comfortably With Dentures
It takes some time to adjust to eating with false teeth. However, when you practice it and get some helpful denture wearers, you’ll be able to enjoy your meal with confidence. Here’s how to make it easier:
1. Take Small Bites
Instead, try to cut the food into pieces that you can bite off. This reduces the pressure on your dentures and makes chewing with dentures much easier. It will also make your dentures less likely to shift and move around as you are trying to chew food.
2. Chew on Both Sides
When you evenly chew on the left and right side of your mouth, your dentures can stabilize a bit. But if you favor one side or the other, they tilt, and there can be pressure against your cheekbones or sores. Even chewing ensures you spread pressure and makes eating with dentures feel more natural. Drink Adequate Amount of Water
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Sipping water while eating can help wash food particles that might stick to your dentures. It also prevents dryness in the mouth, which would make chewing and swallowing much easier. Drinking plenty of water is always a good habit for overall health!
4. Use Denture Adhesive
If your dentures are loose while eating, a denture adhesive can give them extra grip. This helps keep dentures in place while eating and contributes to a comfortable chewing process. It also adds confidence because one doesn’t have to worry about them shifting when they least expect it.
5. Avoid Extremely Hot Foods
Since you can’t sense temperature as well when you are eating with false teeth, be particularly careful with extremely hot foods and liquids. Hot soups, coffee, and tea can burn your mouth before you even know what’s happening. Let hot foods cool a bit before eating to avoid discomfort or burns.
6. Practice With Different Foods
Get accustomed to wearing your dentures over time. First, begin with soft meals for dentures and gradually proceed to more firm foods. Keep trying different foods to find the best textures that work for you. With practice, you’ll know what can be eaten comfortably with dentures and what food items will be tricky, but this makes your meals much easier.
Do Dentures Affect Taste?
When you first start eating with false teeth, you might experience a little shift in your sense of taste. This is because the dentures cover the roof of your mouth, which contains some taste buds. At first, food will not taste as flavorful, but do not worry; this usually is only temporary. As your mouth gets used to it, your sense of taste will return.
How to Improve Taste With Dentures
One of the best tips for first-time denture wearers is to give it time. Your taste buds and brain require a while to adapt to the new feeling of the prosthesis. When you make this habit, you will again notice the more famous flavors. It is also essential to be hydrated.
A dry mouth can make food difficult to taste correctly. Drinking a lot of water throughout the day helps keep your mouth moist and allows you to enjoy different flavors.
One more trick is to experiment with different spices and herbs. Adding extra spices to your food can cause some temporary lethargy to taste. Use delicious options such as garlic, basil, or cinnamon to make the food more fun. Be careful with foods to avoid with dentures, such as sticky or hard snacks, which can affect both taste and comfort. With a bit of patience and a little adaptation, your sense of taste will return to normal. Soon, you will enjoy chewing confidently and tasting all your favorite food.
Why Choose Northside Family Dental?
At Northside Family Dental, we help our Lakeland, Florida, patients achieve bright and confident smiles. If you feel self-conscious about your smile, we’re always here to help you. We have a friendly team that knows exactly how to restore your smile with dentures, dental implants, tooth whitening, fillings, and more. Let’s bring back your best smile.