You’re probably excited to be receiving dentures. After all, a full set of teeth will make it much easier to speak and eat! But maybe you’re not so excited about the learning curve you could encounter. It’ll take some time to get used to your new prosthetic, which can make chewing your meals tricky at first.
Fortunately, there are a couple of ways you can help yourself make the adjustment. Keep reading for some clever tips.
Take it Slow with Soft Foods
You don’t have to be stuck eating yogurt and broth forever, but when you first receive your dentures, it’s a good idea to take it slow with a soft food diet. Tougher menu items, like chewy meats, sticky caramels, crunchy vegetables, and hard popcorn kernels could irritate your sore gums – which are also getting used to your new appliance.
Be Careful of Your Meal’s Temperature
Not everyone realizes this, but dentures have a slightly insulating effect. You may not be able to sense hot/cold sensations as effectively, and few things ruin a meal more than burnt taste buds! Before you go at your food with a giant bite, test the temperature by carefully tapping it to your lips. Then you’ll know whether it’s ready to eat or needs more time to cool.
The Timing Isn’t Always Right for Spice
Do you think chili powder, jalapeños, and hot sauce are the spices of life? Relishing in these flavors won’t be a problem for you and your dentures – unless you’ve developed oral sores or swelling while trying to adjust. Spicy foods can be somewhat painful to eat normally, and when your mouth is tender, you’ll likely experience burning or stinging.
Try a Denture Adhesive or Two
Sometimes dentures can slip out of place mid-chew, but you’re not without resources! Denture adhesive is like a type of glue designed to help keep them still. Unlike real glue, it’s perfectly safe to have in your mouth for prolonged periods. Though you’ll still want to brush away any leftover residue after you remove your prosthetic at the end of the day. There are different kinds of denture adhesive, so try out a couple to see which one works best for you.
Learning to eat with new dentures can be tough, but it’s not impossible. These tips can make the adjustment period easier, but if you ever feel like throwing in the towel, give your dentist a call. They might have more personalized advice for you and can give you one-on-one support for your denture journey.
About the Practice
Dr. Yaritza Vazquez and Dr. Scott Peterson are passionate about dentistry, and strongly believe that their patients deserve the best care possible. Their experience and continuing education efforts are why we can offer a comprehensive list of quality services here in North Garland. If you need a set of dentures and are concerned about getting used to them, you won’t find two more attentive and compassionate dentists than Drs. Vazquez and Peterson! To contact our office, call 972-530-7979.
