Eating with dentures definitely takes some getting used to! It’s totally normal if it feels a bit awkward or uncomfortable at first. You might need a few weeks—or even a couple of months—to really get the hang of eating, drinking, and even talking with your new dentures. Even though they’re made just for your mouth, you could notice extra saliva (yep, drooling happens!), slipping dentures, or even some sore spots as your mouth adjusts. Some people also feel a bit of facial muscle soreness. But don’t worry—one of the biggest challenges everyone faces is learning to eat or chew comfortably.
New to Dentures
It really does take practice to get used to eating with dentures, but don’t worry—after a while, you probably won’t even notice you’re wearing them and you’ll be back to your usual foods. Here are some easy tips to help you feel more confident at mealtimes. Chewing might feel weird at first, and food might not taste quite the same, but these tricks should make things easier.
Start With a Soft Diet
When you’re just starting out, stick with soft foods. Go for things that are easy to chew and don’t rush—take your time to finish your meal. Try to avoid tough meats, hard crackers, raw veggies, or anything that might be rough on your gums or cause irritation. Here are some soft foods that are great for beginners:
- Hot cereals
- Soups
- Applesauce
- Jello
- Mashed vegetables
- Juices
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Pudding
Be extra careful with hot foods and drinks. Dentures can make it harder to tell when something’s too hot, so test the temperature with your lips first to avoid any burns.
A lot of people say food seems less flavorful in the beginning. Don’t worry—your taste buds are fine! Your mouth is just paying more attention to your dentures than the food for now. Until you get used to it, you might want to use a little extra seasoning to help boost the flavor.
Transitioning to Solid Foods
Once soft foods feel easy, you can start trying more solid foods. Just take it slow—chewing too fast can make your dentures slip or irritate your gums. Try to chew on both sides of your mouth to keep things balanced, and cut your food into small, manageable pieces. It makes eating a lot easier!
Some foods to try when transitioning to solid food include:
- Rice
- Pasta
- Bread
- Poultry
- Fish
- Stews
After a few months, you should be able to eat pretty much whatever you like. Just remember, even when you’re comfortable, it’s smart to be careful with foods that are hard, crunchy, or super sticky. Some soreness is normal while you’re getting used to things, but if you have pain or sores that don’t go away, let your dentist know.
Don’t forget to clean your dentures every day! Take them out, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush, and soak them overnight in a cleaning solution so they stay fresh and don’t dry out. And make sure to brush your gums and any natural teeth, too.
