Eating with Dentures: The Dos and Don’ts Everyone Must Know
When you replace damaged or missing teeth with dentures , it’s easy to assume that you can eat all your favourite foods again. While it’s true that dentures can make eating easier, some foods are still not advised for denture-wearers.
If you're wondering, can you eat with dentures, the answer is yes—but it takes some practice and the right food choices, especially when you're adjusting to new dentures.
This guide breaks down some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when eating with dentures. These tips will help you prevent damage and preserve the longevity of your dentures.
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Eating with Dentures: Dos
Let’s start with what you should do when eating with dentures. These dos can help you enjoy your favourite foods and maintain good oral health:
Do Ease Into Solid Foods
After getting your dentures, resist the urge to rush and start eating solid foods as soon as possible. Instead, ease your way in and slowly introduce solid foods as you feel comfortable.
Many denture prosthetists recommend a protocol like this one to help you get comfortable eating with dentures:
First two weeks: Start with liquids and very soft foods that don’t require chewing (mashed potatoes, applesauce, yogurt, broth, etc.)
Weeks two through four: Incorporate soft, solid foods like pasta, roasted vegetables, and meat cut into tiny pieces
After weak four, you can start incorporating more of your favourite foods, including those that require a bit more chewing.
Whether you wear traditional dentures or another type of removable denture, taking a gradual approach gives your mouth time to adapt and makes eating more comfortable.
Taking a gradual approach will make it easier to eat with dentures comfortably while allowing your gums and mouth to adjust.
Do Eat Healthy, Soft Foods
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the foods you can’t eat when you wear dentures. However, it’s important to remember that there are also lots of foods you can enjoy, including healthy and soft options like these:
Soft, ripe fruit (bananas, mangos, peaches, oranges, etc.)
Steamed, boiled, or roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, zucchini, sweet potatoes, etc.)
Slow-cooked or ground meats (pork, brisket, ground beef, ground turkey, etc.)
Smooth spreads (hummus, cream cheese, guacamole, etc.)
You can also eat other soft, easy-to-chew foods like scrambled eggs, as well as soups, broths, and smoothies.
Choosing nutritious soft food during the adjustment period can help you build confidence before progressing to more challenging meals.
Do Exercise Caution with Hot Food/Drinks
Hot food and drinks like tea or coffee can loosen your dentures, especially if you hold them in your mouth for a while.
Keep in mind, too, that hot foods and drinks can burn your mouth more easily when you have dentures because dentures can hinder your ability to gauge temperature effectively. Test the food or drink against your lips before you take a bite or sip.
Do Cut Up Your Food and Take Small Bites
When you first start eating solid foods, it’s imperative to cut them into small pieces and take small bites. Chewing tiny portions will be more comfortable and help you avoid choking.
Do Stay Hydrated
Denture wearers should be extra careful about staying hydrated and keeping their mouths moist. Dehydration can make your dentures brittle and more prone to breaking.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. You can also get water from fruits, vegetables, soups, and smoothies, too, if you need a break from plain old H2O.
Do Drink with Your Meals
Drink water (and other liquids) with your meals.
Sipping water or another liquid will prevent foods like bread, crackers, and cereal from getting stuck to your dentures. Fluids can also help with swallowing and prevent choking.
Do Use Denture Adhesive
If you’re worried about your dentures coming loose while you eat, make sure you’re using denture adhesive.
Denture adhesive helps to hold your dentures in place. It can also prevent gum irritation and sores (which can make eating with dentures uncomfortable).
Eating with Dentures: Don’ts
Now, let’s discuss some behaviours and foods you should avoid after getting dentures. Remembering these don’ts will preserve your dentures and help you stay comfortable while eating and drinking:
Don’t Rush Through Meals
Slow down and enjoy your meals, especially while you’re still getting used to wearing dentures. Chew your food thoroughly to prevent choking. As a bonus, this can also help you avoid digestive issues after eating!
Don’t Chew on One Side
In addition to chewing more frequently, you should also make sure you’re chewing your food on both sides of your mouth.
If you consistently favour one side, you might end up causing more wear and tear to your dentures on that side. Chewing exclusively on one side can also destabilise your dentures (especially if you’re chewing tough or sticky foods).
Don’t Frequently Eat Hard, Sticky, or Gummy Foods
Steer clear of hard, sticky, and gummy foods as much as you can. The following are some of the foods that are most problematic for denture wearers:
Nuts and popcorn : Sharp fragments can easily break off and get lodged under your dentures, causing pain and irritation
Hard/sticky/gummy candy : These can cause your dentures to become dislodged
Multigrain bread/crackers : These products contain lots of little seeds that can get lodged under the dentures
Steak and other tough/chewy meats : These meats can destabilise the dentures and may cause mouth sores
Raw fruits and vegetables : Biting these foods can put too much pressure on your dentures and dislodge them
Nut butters : Nut butters are very sticky and can be hard to remove from the dentures
Sticky food such as chewy lollies, caramel, or toffee is particularly likely to pull on your dentures and should be eaten sparingly, if at all, especially while you're still adjusting.
Many hard foods, including crusty bread, whole apples, and ice, can also place excessive pressure on your dentures. Cutting these foods into smaller pieces or avoiding them until you're fully comfortable can help reduce the risk of damage.
Hard, sticky, and gummy foods shouldn’t be staples in your diet. If you really want a treat, make sure to use denture adhesive, cut it into tiny pieces, and chew thoroughly before swallowing.
Don’t Forget to Clean Your Dentures
Whether you’ve eaten soft foods all day or indulged in a crunchy or sticky treat, make it a priority to clean your dentures regularly. Cleaning your dentures every evening will also help to prevent damage and preserve their longevity.
Need More Denture-Related Advice?
At first, it might feel intimidating to figure out what to eat and what to avoid while wearing dentures. If you remember these guidelines, though, mealtimes become much more manageable.
In addition to the dos and don’ts discussed above, make sure you also schedule regular check-ins with a denture prosthetist.
If you're experiencing discomfort while eating or your dentures no longer fit properly, a denture adjustment may improve your comfort, stability, and chewing ability before the problem becomes more serious.
If you want personalised advice and support, our team of professionals at Denture Haus is here to help. Contact us today to book a free consultation.
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FAQ
Can you eat with dentures straight away?
Yes, you can eat with dentures soon after receiving them, but it's best to begin with soft food that requires very little chewing. As your mouth adjusts, you can gradually introduce more challenging foods.
Can I eat with dentures if I still have natural teeth?
Yes. Many people who wear a partial denture still have natural teeth. Following good oral hygiene practices and choosing appropriate foods will help protect both your dentures and your remaining teeth.
When can I start eating solid food with new dentures?
Most people can gradually introduce solid food after the first couple of weeks, depending on their comfort level and their denture prosthetist's recommendations. Start with softer options before moving on to firmer foods.
Is eating easier with a partial denture?
A partial denture can make chewing easier by replacing missing teeth while working alongside your natural teeth. It may still take time to adjust, so begin with softer meals before returning to your normal diet.
Do traditional dentures require a denture adjustment over time?
Yes. Traditional dentures can gradually become loose as your gums and jawbone change shape over time. A denture adjustment can improve the fit, comfort, and stability of your dentures, making eating and speaking easier.