Eating With Partial Dentures: What You Need to Know

Start with Soft Foods

During the first few days or weeks of wearing your partials, it’s best to stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing. During the adjustment period, try mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, and scrambled eggs. Gradually introduce harder foods into your diet as you become more comfortable with your dentures.

Cut Food into Small Pieces

Cutting food into smaller, bite-sized bits will help you chew more easily and save you from stressing your dentures too much. Moreover less likely to get caught between your denture and gums are smaller food bits, which would cause discomfort and irritation.

Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods

Certain foods can be particularly challenging for partial denture wearers due to their texture or consistency. Sticky foods, such as caramel or gummy candies, can adhere to your dentures and potentially dislodge them. Hard foods, like nuts or popcorn kernels, can put a great deal of pressure on your dentures and even cause damage. To stay comfortable and avoid damaging your dental appliance, avoid these types of foods, especially during the initial adjustment period.

Use Both Sides of Your Mouth

When eating with partial dentures, try to distribute the pressure evenly by using both sides of your mouth to chew. When you chew only on one side, there is an imbalance of pressure on the denture and underlying tissues. Over time, this imbalance can lead to mouth discomfort, sore spots, and even uneven wear on the denture. As you become more comfortable with your dentures, you’ll naturally learn to chew using both sides of your mouth, resulting in a more comfortable and enjoyable eating experience.

In addition to sticky and hard foods, there are other foods that partial denture wearers should avoid or consume with caution. These include:

• Tough meats: Opt for tender cuts of meat or slow-cooked dishes to minimize chewing difficulty.
• Raw vegetables: Cooked or steamed vegetables are easier to chew and gentler on your dentures.
• Crusty bread: Soft bread or rolls are a better option for denture wearers, as crusty bread can be challenging to bite and chew.
• Seeds and small food particles: Foods with small seeds or particles can become trapped under your dentures, causing irritation.

Cleaning the Denture After Meals

It’s essential to clean your dentures after each meal to remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup. Rinse your dentures under running water to dislodge any loose food particles. Then, use a soft-bristle toothbrush or a denture brush with a non-abrasive denture cleanser to gently clean the denture surfaces. Make sure that you clean every part of the denture, such as the clasps and the sections that touch your gums. After cleaning, rinse the denture thoroughly before reinserting it into your mouth.

Brushing and Flossing Remaining Natural Teeth

Maintaining the health of your remaining natural teeth is just as important as caring for your dentures. Brush your natural teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Be sure to reach all surfaces of your teeth, including the areas adjacent to the denture clasps. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and under the gumline.

To maintain your overall oral health and guarantee the correct fit and function of your dentures, regular dental check-ups are crucial. Your dentist will examine your mouth, assess the condition of your remaining natural teeth, and check for any signs of gum disease or other oral health issues.

With check-ups, practice, and patience, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide variety of foods and maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Your dentures will become more comfortable and easier to manage over time.

If you have partial dentures, struggle with a lack of functional teeth, or feel self-conscious about the aesthetics of your smile, it’s time to take action.