Eating with dentures
Dentures give you only a fraction of the biting and chewing power of healthy natural teeth, so eating takes practice.
- Start with soft foods such as applesauce and pudding. Once you are comfortable, move on to foods that need a little chewing, like scrambled eggs.
- Take small bites and chew equally on both sides of your mouth to keep the dentures balanced.
- Check the temperature of food and drinks with your lips. Dentures insulate the mouth, so it can be hard to judge heat, and the risk of burns is higher at first.
- Avoid hard, tough or sticky foods, such as hard vegetables, seeds, nuts, gum and peanut butter. They can damage dentures and make them harder to clean.
- Some people use denture adhesive for extra stability.
Eat a balanced diet and look after your dentures as carefully as you would natural teeth.
Get help early
The usual problems are gum and mouth irritation, loose dentures and mouth infections. Dentures that fit well make a big difference to comfort and soreness. If a problem appears, contact us quickly, because the dentures may need an adjustment or replacement. Without treatment, ill-fitting dentures can lead to infections such as cheilitis and stomatitis.
We offer follow-up care, including ongoing fittings and adjustments, so you do not have to manage these problems alone.
Traveling with dentures
Keep up your routine on the road. Pack a small case with a covered container and your denture care items. Cleansers in cream, gel or paste form can travel as long as they meet airline size limits for liquids. Rinse your dentures after every meal, brush them daily and soak them overnight.
Dentures and oral cancer
Dentures do not cause oral cancer. However, ill-fitting dentures and poor oral care lead to irritation, inflammation and infection, which have been linked to oral cancer. One study found that ill-fitting dentures were a risk factor, with no link to how long a person had worn dentures. Have your dentures checked, and take them out and clean them well every night.
Common questions
Is it easy to chew with dentures?
Dentures restore part of your chewing ability, but you will not have the bite strength of a full set of healthy natural teeth. Chewing gets easier with practice.
How long does it take to speak clearly with dentures?
It can take a few weeks. Reading aloud and speaking more slowly help you pronounce words clearly.
What can I eat with dentures?
Foods that are not sticky or hard are best. Avoid foods with small seeds or hard bits, and cut food into small pieces.
How do I keep my dentures clean?
Brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least once a day, rinse them after eating, and soak them overnight in a suitable solution so they keep their shape.