Having an incomplete smile due to missing teeth not only affects your confidence but your everyday life- like enjoying your favorite foods. Luckily, you can fully restore your smile and bite power with dentures. Now, more than ever, these prosthetics are more durable and natural-looking due to the advancements in dental technology. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to chewing with your new teeth. Here are five tips for making your dining experiences a bit easier as you are getting adjusted to your dentures.
Tip #1: Begin with Softer Foods
While your dentures will help restore your ability to enjoy a wider range of meals and snacks, you may want to initially limit yourself to softer foods. It’s best to start with choices that will help you get used to your new teeth, like yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes. These choices will limit the amount of chewing required, which will give you more time to adjust to how your dentures work and feel in your mouth.
Tip #2: Chew Using Both Sides of the Mouth
Did you know that most people have one dominant or preferred side of the mouth to chew? While this may be a natural tendency, it will help you to consciously practice distributing pressure evenly across your mouth while eating. By doing so, you will minimize the risk of shifting or knocking your dentures out of place. Additionally, when initially biting down on food, try using your canine teeth instead of your front teeth. This will help keep your prosthetic from moving around and prevent gum soreness.
Tip #3: Protect Your Dentures
As stated above, eventually you will return to partaking in the various foods you enjoy. However, it is important to be mindful of the ones that are more likely to cause damage to your dentures. Even if you are just enjoying minimal amounts, sticky or hard foods can still affect your restoration while you are adjusting to effectively chewing your food. Nuts, tough meats, and hard candy will require a lot of work to break down and could increase the chance of your denture breaking. In addition, as your mouth gets adjusted to keeping your prosthetic in place, it’s best to avoid sticky foods that could affect the suction that keeps your dentures in place.
Tip #4: Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water not only keeps your body hydrated but your mouth, too! It keeps it moist and will help to soften the food. Sipping on water throughout your meals makes it easier for you to chew and swallow with ease, as well as wash away any leftover food debris that could get trapped in your prosthetic.
Tip #5: Practice Makes Perfect
Eating effortlessly with your new smile may not happen right away, but you are sure to get there in several days! Time and practice are a winning combination during your adjustment period. As you feel more comfortable, you can try to introduce firmer foods. Take the time to pay attention to what works for you as you become acclimated to your new dentures.
There is no need to worry if chewing with dentures doesn’t come naturally right away. By practicing these helpful tips, you will be enjoying your complete smile and your meals in no time!
About the Practice
Riviera Family Dentistry of Denver keeps the smiles of Denver whole and healthy through the expertise of their two dentists. They provide high-quality and dependable dentistry by providing a full range of services, including restorative care. With a focus on customized plans, they can help you regain your oral health with dentures, partial dentures, or dental implants. To schedule an appointment, contact them through their website or call (720) 640-0272.