Dentures have been used for generations to treat significant tooth loss because they are affordable and convenient. Although they have a bad reputation, they’ve undergone several improvements over the decades to closely mimic your natural teeth. A good set of dentures won’t just restore a beautiful smile, but also boost your quality of life. If you’ve lived with missing teeth for some time, you’ve likely had to eliminate certain foods from your diet because they are too difficult to chew. You don’t need to struggle to eat meat or snack on a carrot anymore. You’ll be eating with dentures in no time using 5 tips to help you through the adjustment period.
Adjusting to New Dentures
It’s normal for your dentures to feel a little weird at first, but it usually passes in a few days. Soon, your new smile will feel like your natural teeth to savor all the foods you’ve been missing. However, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Eat Slowly
At first, you’ll want to take it slow and easy. It’s best to begin with softer foods that are cut into small pieces to get used to chewing. It’s important to use both sides of your mouth to chew to avoid causing stress to your denture and gums from uneven pressure. As you become more comfortable chewing, you can introduce your normal diet.
2. Bite Carefully
You’ll need to change the way you bit into foods, like a juicy hamburger. Instead of using the front teeth, bite using your canines to prevent your dentures from moving, which can lead to gum irritation.
3. Avoid Sticky Foods
You can eat many of your favorite foods with dentures in Putnam, but you’ll want to think twice before having taffy or other sticky foods. Not only can they damage your dentures, but they can dislodge your smile.
4. Check Temperatures
Your dentures can insulate your gum tissue, which means you may not realize a beverage or food is too hot until it is too late. You can avoid burns by testing the temperatures of your foods and drinks. Besides the risk of burns, you shouldn’t expose your dentures to overly hot liquids because they can warp.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Water is important for staying hydrated, but it’s will also make eating easier. Your mouth will be moist to help grind and chew food before swallowing. Drinking water will also cleanse your dentures of bacteria and food residue to keep odors at bay.
Enjoy a Functional Smile
You can maintain a balanced diet full of delicious foods by rebuilding your smile. You’ll regain your confidence while investing in a healthy mouth and body using a proven solution.
About Dr. Eleni Milas
Dr. Milas earned her dental degree from the University of Connecticut, where she received various awards, including the Crest Award for Excellence in Dentistry for the Elderly. She strives to help each patient achieve their best smiles. If you’re ready to treat your missing teeth, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.