Maintaining clean dentures is crucial for ensuring both their longevity and your oral health.
Proper care can extend the life of your dentures, prevent oral infections, and keep your smile looking its best.
In this guide, we’ll cover essential topics such as eating with dentures, food recommendations, and cleaning tips to help you take the best care of your dentures.
Can you eat with dentures?
Absolutely! While eating with dentures might feel different at first, with a bit of practice and patience, you can enjoy a wide variety of foods.
Here’s how to make the transition smoother:
Adapting to eating with dentures
When you first start wearing dentures, there will be an adjustment period as your mouth gets used to them and during this time, it’s important to be mindful of how you eat.
The first few weeks with new dentures can be challenging; your gums and mouth may feel sore, and you might find chewing awkward. Don’t panic – give yourself time to adapt!
Tips for eating with new dentures
Cut food into smaller pieces: Smaller pieces are easier to manage and reduce the risk of your dentures slipping.
Chew slowly: Take your time to chew thoroughly. This helps in digesting food better and gives you a feel for how your dentures handle different textures.
Start with soft foods: Begin with foods like mashed potatoes, yoghurt, and soups. These are gentle on your gums and help you get used to chewing with dentures.
Once you’re comfortable with soft foods, slowly introduce harder foods like cooked vegetables and tender meats. Avoid biting directly with your front teeth to prevent dislodging your dentures.
Things you can’t eat with dentures
Some foods can be problematic for denture wearers. They can cause discomfort, damage the dentures, or make it difficult to chew properly.
Foods to avoid:
Sticky foods: Caramel, toffee, and chewing gum can stick to your dentures and dislodge them.
Nuts and seeds: These can get trapped under your dentures and cause irritation.
Certain raw vegetables: Hard vegetables like carrots and corn on the cob can be tough to chew.
Why these foods are problematic
Sticky foods can adhere to your dentures and make them difficult to clean. Hard foods can exert excessive pressure on the dentures, leading to potential damage or discomfort.
Opt for softer, denture-friendly alternatives such as steamed vegetables, boneless fish, and soft fruits like bananas and berries. These are easier to chew and less likely to cause issues.
Denture cleaning and maintenance
Maintaining clean dentures and oral hygiene is essential to prevent bad breath, infections, and staining.
Here are some essential steps to keep your dentures spotless every day:
Remove and rinse
After eating, it’s important to remove your dentures and rinse them under running water to remove any food particles or debris.
Brush thoroughly
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive denture cleanser to brush your dentures gently. This helps to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria.
Soak overnight
To keep your dentures moist and sanitised, it’s recommended to soak them overnight in a denture-soaking solution. This helps to prevent them from drying out and maintains their shape.
Brush after meals
Brushing your dentures after meals is crucial to remove any leftover food particles and plaque. This helps to prevent bad breath, gum irritation, and oral infections.
Avoiding common mistakes
- Avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive and may scratch the surface of your dentures.
- Hot water can warp the dentures, affecting their fit. It’s best to use lukewarm or cool water for cleaning.
- Use gentle motions when brushing your dentures to avoid damaging them. A soft-bristle brush is ideal for this purpose.
When not in use, store your dentures in water or a denture-soaking solution to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape.
Professional denture care at first class dentures
At First Class Dentures, we provide comprehensive denture services to ensure your dentures remain in excellent condition.
Regular dental check-ups are essential to maintain a comfortable fit and receive professional cleaning. During these visits, your dentist will thoroughly clean your dentures, inspect them for wear or damage, and make necessary adjustments for optimal fit and comfort.
Professional adjustments can prevent discomfort and enhance your overall oral health. If your dentures feel loose, cause discomfort, or show signs of wear, it’s crucial to seek professional attention promptly.
Our team efficiently addresses common issues such as cracks, chips, and fit problems, ensuring your dentures function like new; by following our tips and recommendations, you can prolong the lifespan of your dentures and maintain optimal oral health.