Living With Dentures: Diet and Care Guide

Getting Used To Living With Dentures

If you’ve recently gotten dentures, you’re entering a new phase of life. Dentures can take some getting used to, but with the right diet and proper care, you can adjust to your new smile. In our guide, Dr. John Leitner at John Leitner, DDS in Grand Haven will walk you through what to eat, how to care for your dentures, and give you some handy tips for living comfortably with your new pearly whites.

Call (616) 842-2850 today to schedule your consultation at John Leitner, DDS.

Watch What You Eat

When you first get dentures, the foods you can eat will be limited. Your gums and mouth need time to heal before you can bite into harder foods. Stick to soft foods at first, and introduce more textures slowly over time. Here are some do’s and don’ts for eating with new dentures:

Do:

Eat soft, mushy foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, cream of wheat, smoothies, overcooked vegetables, and scrambled eggs
Cut food into small pieces to make it easier to chew
Stick to lukewarm or cool temperatures to avoid irritating your gums and palate

Don’t:

Eat tough, chewy, or hard foods like raw vegetables, steak, nuts, popcorn, sticky candy, or crusty bread.
Consume extremely hot or cold foods that could damage your sensitive gums and palate.

As your mouth heals and adjusts to your dentures over the next several weeks, you’ll gradually be able to reintroduce more foods. Just be sure to take it slowly. If you experience pain, soreness, or damage to your gums, pull back to softer foods for a while longer before trying again.

Caring for Your Dentures

Getting used to having removable teeth will take daily practice. Following proper denture hygiene and regularly cleaning your mouth and dentures will keep them functioning at their best. Here are some top care tips:

Brush dentures over a sink filled with water or a towel, taking care not to drop them. Use a soft brush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid stiff-bristled brushes that can cause scratches.
Clean your gums and tongue with a soft toothbrush in the morning and night to remove bacteria and stimulate gums.
Soak dentures for at least eight hours each night in a denture-soaking solution to kill bacteria. Water can warp dentures over time.
See your Grand Haven dentist for an annual checkup. They can check for proper fit and usage wear and tear so your dentures continue functioning over the long haul.
Handle your dentures carefully when inserting and removing them to avoid cracking or chipping. Dropped dentures can break and become unusable.

Tips for Living With Dentures

Learning to eat, smile, and speak normally again with dentures takes personal adjustment. Be patient with yourself as you get the hang of it. These tips can help improve your everyday experience:

Speak slowly at first if you notice a slight whistle or lisp with new dentures. This will improve over time.
Chew slowly and purposefully on both sides of your mouth to distribute pressure evenly as you adjust.
Apply denture adhesive like Fixodent if dentures feel loose, especially with lower dentures. This helps create a tighter seal.
Ask your dentist about implanted posts or bars if traditional adhesives aren’t enough to keep lower dentures comfortably in place.
Lubricate your dentures regularly with non-petroleum jelly to prevent chafing.
Brush natural teeth near dentures thoroughly to avoid accelerated decay, inflammation, or other oral health issues.

Experience Life with Dentures

Adapting fully to dentures can take months and even years for some people. Set small dietary goals every few weeks and stick to proper cleaning daily to make gradual progress in mastering your new smile. With time, your speech and ability to enjoy a variety of nutritious foods will return to normal.

Ready to start life with a full smile? Schedule a consultation at our Grand Haven office by calling (616) 842-2850. Dr. John Leitner at John Leitner, DDS is here to help you transition into life with a rejuvenated smile!