Dentures are artificial replacements for missing teeth and gum tissue. Complete dentures are for patients who have lost all of their teeth, while partial dentures are for patients who have a combination of natural and missing teeth. Maintaining a well-balanced diet is essential to optimum health as a denture wearer. Two basic food categories are hard and soft foods.
Consult with your dentist for other dietary modifications.
Soft Foods
Chewing with your dentures will require practice. Your mouth will need a minimum of six to eight weeks or longer to adjust to the dentures. Consuming a soft diet is strongly encouraged during the adjustment period. Provisions such as cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, soft fruits, crackers, soups and yogurt are examples of foods that do not require a significant amount of chewing. Cut meats, poultry, fish and other foods that require additional chewing force into small pieces before eating them.
Hard Foods
Hard foods such as nuts, popcorn kernels, raw fruits, candy and corn on the cob should be avoided while eating with dentures. Hard substances can cause the dentures to break -- a stressful event once you have became accustomed to wearing the dentures.
Substances to Avoid
Avoid sticky substances such as gum, taffy, tootsie rolls and caramel candy when wearing dentures. These substances can stick to the dentures making it difficult to chew and clean the dentures properly. The longevity of your dentures can be increased by adhering to a proper diet.
References
- "Mosby's Dental Dictionary, 2nd Edition"; Thomas Zwemer; 2003
- "Prosthodontic Treatment for Edentulous Patients: Complete Dentures and Implant-Supported Prostheses, 12 Edition"; George Zarb; 2003
