When you have dentures, you no longer have to hide your smile or avoid being around other people. This treatment can also improve your oral health and allow you to eat a wider range of foods.
Of course, wearing this apparatus does not let you eat anything. There are still certain foods you should avoid, so make sure you are aware of what will not break or damage the artificial teeth or base.
Issues that lead to tooth loss or extraction
It can be embarrassing to have missing teeth. It is also difficult to maintain a well-balanced diet. People often lose teeth because of poor oral hygiene. A lack of brushing and flossing can lead to tooth decay or gum disease. Untreated, teeth can fall out or require extraction.
In other situations, tooth loss can occur due to accidents or injuries. A hard blow to the face can knock out a tooth. Or a broken tooth can be too severe to repair. Extraction could be the only solution if treatments such as a crown or veneer will not work.
Eating right after getting dentures
It can take some time to get used to wearing dentures. Though the appliance allows patients to resume normal eating habits, it is wise to ease into things. Eating soft foods in the first few weeks after treatment is the wisest approach. Patients should plan on as little chewing as possible, so pureed items can help. These include applesauce, pudding, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes. Other soft foods are not hard on the gums and will not irritate the person’s mouth.
The right diet going forward
Once the person is accustomed to the dentures, many foods are fair game. A person with the appliance should be able to handle fruits, vegetables, grains, and pasta. Chewing on both sides of the mouth and chewing until the food is in small bites is important. The patient should also chew slowly and make sure to drink plenty of water. People who are worried about damaging the appliance can also cut the food into smaller pieces.
What to avoid
Dentures are not indestructible. Both the acrylic base and the artificial teeth can crack, break, or fall out. Hard-to-chew foods such as steak and other meats should be avoided. Sticky items such as gum can pose problems, as well. Hard food such as candy, popcorn kernels, ice, and apples can damage the dentures too. The dentist can also answer any questions or resolve concerns about what to eat or not eat.
Enjoy the meals you have been missing
Living without teeth can affect your self-image and self-esteem. It may also compromise your ability to eat the things you enjoy most. Dentures can help you eat more foods and get the nourishment you need. Following these guidelines can give you peace of mind and prevent damage or other problems with the apparatus. Before you get dentures, make sure you talk to your dentist about what to expect and how you can eat a more diverse diet.
Recent Posts
There are multiple denture options if you are looking to replace missing teeth. These solutions can help prevent many unwanted side effects of tooth loss, leading to better oral and overall health.The loss of permanent teeth can happen for various reasons, from severe tooth decay and gum disease to traumatic injuries or underlying health conditions.…
Adjusting to new dentures can take a few weeks, but once a patient has adjusted, it is easier to eat and smile with confidence. For those who have had tooth loss corrected through dentures, it can take some time before things feel normal inside the mouth. Dentures feel and function differently than natural teeth. They…
If you have to get dentures, you might have some questions about them. Knowing the answers to these questions can help you make a more informed decision about your health.While your dentist can answer any questions, it is good to have a starting point. Keep reading to learn more about the restorations.The right starting place…