Tooth loss is a serious issue that affects your entire life, including your ability to eat. Dentures are a common restoration for replacing your missing teeth that are designed to restore normal functioning to your mouth, including proper biting and chewing. Being able to enjoy your favorite foods with dentures, however, will take some time. As you get acclimated, you will be able to enjoy a wider variety of foods, although some adjustments will be necessary. Moreover, if you need assistance, Southern Arizona Periodontics is here to help.
Adjusting to Your Dentures
When you first receive your new set of dentures, there is a bit of an adjustment period as you get used to wearing and using them. It is not uncommon to experience some soreness in your tongue and your jaw as you grow accustomed to keeping them in place. There are a few things that you can do to help get acclimated to your new teeth. First, start with a diet of soft foods. These include such things as mashed potatoes, smoothies, pasta, scrambled eggs, and ground meat. Distribute food evenly to even out the bite pressure and avoid chewing with your front teeth.
Enjoying Favorite Foods Once More
As you grow more accustomed to your dentures, and you gain confidence in using them, you can begin to reintroduce many of the foods you once enjoyed eating. You may find that some foods give you difficulties, such as whole apples and corn on the cob. These foods can still be enjoyed, but you will need to adjust how you eat them. For instance, apples can be cut into slices and corn can be removed from the cob. Many vegetables can be enjoyed roasted or steamed, which helps to soften them, thereby making them easier to eat.
What You Should Avoid
While dentures do allow you to enjoy many of the foods you once loved again, there are some foods that you should stay away from. Very hard foods, like nuts, crispy granola, hard candies, and croutons require additional chewing force that can damage your dentures. Foods that are sticky, such as taffy, soft caramels, chewing gum, and gummy candies can cause your dentures to dislodge from your gums, which can lead to an embarrassing situation. If you have any questions on what types of foods you should avoid, and what you can eat instead, do not hesitate to ask.
What about Dental Implants?
Today, you have another option for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are a unique treatment that involves the use of small titanium posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone. Your bone fuses to the posts, integrating them into your jaw. Held firmly in place, these posts provide secure, stable support for your replacement teeth, which are screwed into place on top of them. Dental implants are designed to remain in place. They will not slip around in your mouth or fall out. With dental implants, you can enjoy all of your favorite foods once again, including ones you need to avoid while wearing dentures. If you are interested in this option, we can help to determine if it is the right choice for you.
As you adjust to your new dentures, you build up your confidence with them and can enjoy a wide variety of foods you were unable to eat following tooth loss. You may also consider replacing your teeth, or your current dentures, with dental implants. If you have any questions or concerns about eating with dentures, do not hesitate to call Southern Arizona Periodontics at 520-322-9300 today.
