Adjusting to dentures can feel like a big change, especially when it comes to eating. Many people wonder if they’ll ever be able to enjoy their favorite meals again or if their new dental appliance will limit their diet. The truth is, you can eat normally with dentures, but it may take some time and practice to get comfortable.

Dentures are designed to restore your ability to chew and eat, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of foods. However, it’s important to know that eating with dentures is a bit different from eating with natural teeth. With patience, practice, and a few adjustments, you’ll be back to savoring your meals without worry.

In this blog post, the Torbay Smiles Dentistry team will explain how eating is affected by dentures and we’ll what foods to eat and avoid.

Can You Eat Normally with Dentures?

5 Tips for Eating With New Dentures

Getting used to dentures involves a learning curve, especially when it comes to eating. Here are some practical tips to make the transition smoother:

1. Start Slow: Begin with soft foods that are easy to chew, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs, and soups. These foods will help you get used to the feeling of chewing with dentures without putting too much pressure on them.
2. Chew Evenly: Dentures distribute chewing pressure differently than natural teeth. To keep your dentures stable, try to chew food evenly on both sides of your mouth. This will help prevent them from shifting or tipping.
3. Take Smaller Bites: Cut your food into smaller pieces to make it easier to chew. Smaller bites also allow you to focus on using your dentures more effectively as you get accustomed to them.
4. Be Mindful of Your Bite: Avoid biting into hard or sticky foods directly with your front dentures, as this can cause them to dislodge. Instead, use your back teeth to break down tougher foods.
5. Practice Patience: Eating with dentures may feel awkward at first, but don’t get discouraged. With time and practice, you’ll gain confidence and develop a routine that feels natural.

5 Foods to Avoid with Dentures

While dentures are designed to allow you to eat most foods, some items can pose challenges or damage your appliance. Here are five foods to approach with caution:

Sticky Foods:

Sticky treats like caramel, chewing gum, and toffee can cling to your dentures and pull them out of place. These foods can also be difficult to clean off your dentures afterward.

Hard or Crunchy Foods:

Foods like nuts, popcorn, and hard candies can put too much pressure on your dentures and even cause cracks or breaks.

Chewy Meats:

Tough cuts of meat, like steak or ribs, require a lot of chewing and can strain your dentures. Choose softer meats, like fish, ground beef, or poultry, instead.

Raw Vegetables:

Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery can be difficult to bite into and chew with dentures. Consider steaming or cooking them to soften their texture.

Seeds and Kernels:

Small seeds and kernels from foods like sesame seed buns or popcorn can get stuck under your dentures, causing discomfort and irritation.

Dentures at Torbay Smiles Dentistry

At Torbay Smiles Dentistry, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy and functional smile. Dentures can play a significant role in restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality, custom dentures that fit comfortably and suit your lifestyle.

If you’re considering dentures or need guidance on how to care for and adjust to them, we’re here to help. From the initial consultation to ongoing care, we’ll support you every step of the way.

Ready to take the next step toward restoring your smile? Book an appointment with Torbay Smiles Dentistry today.