The idea of wearing dentures can make you feel anxious, especially if it is your first time. Because they are not your natural teeth, dentures do take some getting used to. Figuring out how to keep them in place, learning how to eat and speak, and caring for them properly all entail a learning curve and tons of patience.
Are you looking to replace your missing teeth with dentures but are anxious about the adjustment process, especially with eating? Dr. Steven Hagerman has some useful tips for eating with new dentures that can help you get used to them quickly.
Start with soft foods
Getting used to eating with dentures can take some time and practice. It is best to practice with foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Soft foods like mashed potatoes or pudding won’t put a strain on your gums or teeth, so you can chew with minimal effort or discomfort.
Chew gently
Just as shoes need a break-in period, so your feet can conform to them, your new dentures need a period of experimentation and practice, so you can gradually adjust to them.
Learning to chew without biting your tongue or popping your dentures out of place can take time. The best way to do this is to chew your food gently. Your gums need to get used to rubbing with the base of your dentures. Aggressive chewing can get in the way of adjusting to your dentures.
Avoid biting using your front teeth
Using your front teeth to bite even soft foods could cause your dentures to get dislodged in the back. You can prevent this from happening by biting down using your side or back teeth.
Transition slowly to tougher foods by eating in small pieces
When eating tough foods like steak, cut it into small, manageable pieces. Chew thoroughly and slowly, so you have less risk of dislodging your dentures.
Drink while you eat
Having new dentures doesn’t always mean skipping the foods you love, especially when they are staples. Complex carbohydrates, such as cereals and whole grains, can get stuck in and around your dentures, so make sure to have a few swigs of liquid when you eat them.
High-Quality Dentures by One of the Top Dentists in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota
Having new dentures need not be a frustrating or worrisome experience. At Hagerman Dental Care, we are committed to not only providing high-quality, natural-looking dentures but to delivering exceptional care to patients, as well. From your first appointment with Dr. Steven Hagerman until you’ve fully adjusted to your new dentures, he will be with you every step of the way. He will make the necessary adjustments to ensure your greatest level of comfort throughout the process.
For more information about dentures and the rest of our services, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Steven Hagerman, call us at (651) 646-2392 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to giving you a whole new reason to smile!