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A good set of dentures can vastly improve your quality of life. You know this, but you might not feel it in the moment when you’re just trying to enjoy a hearty meal! Adjusting to new dentures can be a process, and if you’re not quite used to them yet, you may struggle with slippage.
Fortunately (in sort of a strange way), you’re not the only one to have experienced this. Try these tried-and-true tips on for size – they’ll help you become a chewing-with-dentures pro in no time!
Maintain a Soft Food Diet
When you’re trying to get used to new dentures, it helps to start with soft, squishy foods that don’t require much chewing. Think of it as starting out with some training wheels; once you understand how the physics of eating easier foods works, it’ll be far less challenging to transition to crunchy vegetables and tough meats. Plus, you’ll be giving your gums plenty of time to adjust, too.
Chew Carefully and Take Your Time
Remember that you’re not competing with anyone. It’s okay to take your time when learning how to eat with new dentures, and in fact, this can help you adjust more smoothly. If you chew carefully, you’ll start to notice how your dentures respond to your mouth movements. Before you know it, you’ll be able to chew on both sides of your mouth without even thinking about it!
Make Foods Easier to Eat
There might be times when you just don’t want to put that much effort into trying to eat your meals. That’s okay! It’s more important to eat something rather than skip lunch or dinner entirely, and there are ways you can make things easier for yourself.
You can always cut your food into smaller pieces so it takes far less work to chew and swallow. And if you’re craving fruits or veggies you can’t quite handle yet, throw them in a blender and enjoy a nutritious smoothie.
Try Using Denture Adhesive
Denture adhesives aren’t meant to be used on a regular basis, but they can be very helpful for people who are still getting used to their new teeth. As the name suggests, a denture adhesive will “stick” your restoration more firmly to your gums, preventing slippage. Some adhesives even have cushioning qualities that can reduce gum irritation.
Following these tried-and-true tips can help you “get the hang” of your new dentures. But if you do find yourself needing some extra advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. They’ll be happy to provide you with more personalized tricks!
About the Author
Dr. Ashraf Seif has over 20 years of experience in the field of dentistry. He’s pretty much seen it all, and knows that adjusting to a new set of dentures can be challenging. If you’re struggling with slippage or other bothersome issues, Dr. Seif will help you find an effective solution so you can continue to enjoy your restored smile! To contact his office, call 281-837-9122.