How to Eat All Foods Again with Dentures
Glendale, AZ
Dentures in Glendale provided by Dr. Michael Allard
at Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
 Dentures can be immensely beneficial for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth. However, adjusting to your new dentures may take a little practice and patience. Over time, you should be able to return to your normal diet. At Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we want you to get the most out of your new appliance. The following information can help you better adjust to a lifestyle with dentures.
Adjusting to Your New Dentures
Before you receive your denture, we need to extract any remaining problematic teeth. The gum tissues tend to shrink during the healing process. Once the healing process is complete, we can fabricate your final denture. In some cases, we may suggest an immediate denture that is inserted the same day as your extraction procedure. There is a brief healing period following your extractions. You may experience some minor bleeding, swelling, and discomfort.
During the healing period, we will ask you to restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods that are comfortable to eat. You should avoid straws and drink from a glass. The sucking motion could cause your blood clots to dislodge. Be careful with hot liquids and foods, so you do not burn your mouth. As your wounds heal, you should be able to add more foods and liquids to your diet.
Tips for Eating with Dentures
Eating with dentures is different from eating with your natural teeth. Be sure to take it slow until your mouth and tongue become accustomed to your new dental appliance. Cut your foods into bite-sized pieces before putting them in your mouth. You should also try to use both sides of your jaw when you chew. This can prevent your denture from slipping out of place. When you drink, do not hold liquids in your mouth for a long period. This action can loosen your bottom denture.
In a few days or a few weeks, you should gain more confidence in eating with your dentures. When you feel ready, you can introduce firmer foods to your diet. While you will be able to eat most of your favorite foods, there are still certain items that may cause complications. Foods that are hard, sticky, or contain small partials must be eaten with special care. Be sure to chew slowly and carefully when eating fresh fruits, hard bread, red meats, peanut butter, gum, sticky candy, berries with seeds, nuts, and cereals. The best way to avoid complications is to limit your exposure to these types of foods.
Cleaning Your Dentures
Proper care and maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your denture. You should remove and rinse your dentures immediately after eating. Handle your dentures with care, so you do not damage your appliance. Never let them dry out. Place your dentures in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight. Be sure to brush your gum tissues while your dentures are out. Cleaning your gums can prevent infections and other complications. Talk with Dr. Michael Allard to learn more about care and maintenance.
Schedule an Appointment
If you experience a problem with your dentures, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Please call (623) 738-2564, and schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. |
