Sedation Clinics
One of the most common things patients say after getting dentures is, “I can eat again!” Regaining your teeth certainly opens up a lot of possibilities after navigating mealtime without them, but it does take some adjustment to ensure that you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals you need to maintain a healthy smile (and body!).
Below you’ll find a handy guide on how to eat well with dentures, which should help with your prosthetic as well as your tastebuds!
Smaller Bites
Right after a patient receives their denture, they usually want to eat something that requires a lot of chewing, like a nice, juicy steak. All types of meat are back on the menu, but it’s important to note that removable dentures restore about 20% of someone’s original biting force.
In addition to deciding whether you want your steak to be rare, medium, or well done, a person should also cut it into smaller bites than they are used to. This will make it easier to chew and ensure the denture doesn’t press down on the gums too much.
Denture-Friendly Cooking Methods
Because of the reduced chewing power, items like soups, stews, and smoothies are great choices for denture wearers. They come in endless varieties, aren’t very difficult to prepare, and make it easy for someone to eat a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, and meats.
There are literally countless recipes online, and who knows…getting dentures might introduce you to a dish you love!
Keep It Clean
While talking about cleaning your dentures might seem like a departure from discussing eating, it’s all related. Ideally, you should be brushing your dentures at least twice a day and soaking them while you sleep. This prevents a build-up of harmful bacteria on the prosthetic that can lead to infections and sores, which in turn can lead to sensitive gums.
By keeping your denture nice and fresh, you’ll be able to eat without discomfort, plus a healthy mouth allows your denture to stay more stable for longer. All in all, this makes chewing more comfortable so that you can focus on just enjoying yourself.
One Thing to Think About…
Of course, if you’d like to have more biting power with your denture, the most direct way to achieve this is by getting dental implants. This would anchor your teeth directly to your jawbone just like natural ones, bringing back about 70-80% of your bite strength. Plus, you would just have to brush and floss like normal with dental implants, making your daily routine simpler.
All in all, going from missing teeth to a full smile is great for both your appearance and diet, and by keeping these little tips in mind, you can look forward to mealtime again.
About the Practice
Dental Wellness of Lexington is led by four amazing dentists who offer comprehensive treatment that includes preventive, cosmetic, restorative, and even emergency dentistry. We have fitted countless patients with custom dentures, and our own Dr. Feck allows us to complete the entire dental implant procedure under one roof.
For questions or to book a visit, you can reach us through our website or by phone at (859) 223-4644.