New Teeth New Diet? How Dentures Affect What You Can Eat

Will you be stuck eating nothing but mashed potatoes and soup after getting dentures? You love the idea of having a complete smile again, but you’re worried that your diet will be even more limited than it is now. While mealtime will certainly be different after you replace your teeth, a few minor adjustments are all that’s needed so you can start enjoying your favorites again and order whatever you like without a second thought.

Smaller Bites

Denture wearers are often advised to avoid tougher foods like cooked meats and raw fruits/vegetables. But these are some of the best sources of nutrition, plus they taste great!

Fortunately, simply cutting any item into smaller pieces can make them denture-friendly, ensuring you’re not putting too much pressure on the prosthetic or your gums underneath.

Equal Attention

Everyone has one side of their mouth that they chew with more than the other—it’s almost like being right or left-handed. While you might not have thought about this in the past, it’s important to keep in mind with dentures. Ideally, you should chew on both sides equally.

This distributes the pressure on your gums evenly so one side doesn’t become sore, plus it helps your new teeth last longer because you won’t wear down part of them faster than the rest.

A Clean Routine

Cleaning your dentures as well as your mouth every day can go a long way in helping you avoid sore spots and infections that can lead to sensitivity and make eating less than pleasant. Taking great care of a denture is very similar to looking after natural teeth, as in you should ideally brush them at least twice a day. This, along with rinsing your mouth and soaking your dentures overnight (to remove more stubborn buildup) helps your gums and underlying jaw stay strong, healthy, and pain-free so that you can bite with confidence.

Going from missing teeth to dentures is a big change, but it’s a positive one! It opens up a wide array of culinary options that weren’t possible before, and with just a few tweaks at the table, you can focus more on the flavors and the company rather than your teeth.

About the Author

A proud Homer Glen resident for over 30 years, Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo earned his dental degree at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and has completed extensive postgraduate coursework in esthetic dentistry, implant dentistry, and prosthodontics. If you’re ready to eat your favorite foods again without pain, click here to request an appointment or dial (708) 854-5912.