How to Eat Better if You Have Dentures

Dentures provide hope to millions of people who turn to them to regain their smile and confidence when they experience missing teeth. Another benefit of dentures is regaining the ability to eat certain foods like corn on the cob, steak and frozen desserts. Although eating with dentures is initially a challenge, there are a few ways to ease the transition. Here’s how to eat better if you’re now doing it with dentures.

Remember That Your Sense of Taste Will Take Time to Adjust

A common feeling among new denture wearers is that the food they eat doesn’t have any flavor. As you adjust to your new dentures, your mouth sends strong signals to your brain that overpower the ones that your taste buds send. After a few weeks, your brain will begin balancing the signals and your sense of taste will return.

Start With Soft Foods and Eat Hard Foods in Small Quantities

To maintain a healthy diet until you’re able to eat hard foods regularly, stick to soft foods like oatmeal, fish and eggs. To improve your confidence in your bite, start with eating small quantities of hard foods that are cut into smaller pieces (like that juicy steak). Within a few weeks, you’ll feel confident enough to eat any delicious meal.

Proceed With Caution When Eating or Drinking Anything That’s Hot

Another common feeling among new denture wearers is that they have trouble sensing whether a food or a drink is extremely hot. To avoid burning your mouth, stay away from hot foods and drinks for the first few weeks, unless you know they have cooled down enough to not burn your mouth.