Can you eat with dentures?

Of course! Eating with traditional dentures can come with a learning curve, so our denture experts compiled everything you need to know for a smooth transition.

How to eat with dentures

Eating with dentures can feel unfamiliar at first. Until you get comfortable, enjoy food in no time by:

• Chewing slowly

• Taking small bites at the beginning

• Chewing food on both sides of your mouth to prevent your denture from rocking or loosening

• Applying a small amount of denture adhesive for extra stability

Bite-sized tips for eating with dentures

• Take it slow

• Start small

• Chew on both sides

• Add a dab of adhesive

Things you can eat with dentures

Choosing dentures doesn’t mean giving up your favorite foods. Learn what’s on the menu and when as you get used to dentures.

Soft foods only (1-2 weeks of healing)

When you’re starting your healing journey, you and your gums will need R&R time. Treat your gums with care by preparing soft, nutritional foods that are easy to eat without causing irritation. Enjoy foods like:

• Protein shakes & smoothies

• Lukewarm soup

• Soft breads & pasta

• Mashed potatoes

• Applesauce & hummus

Expand your options (2-4 months of healing)

As you get the hang of eating with dentures, reward yourself with new meals on the menu. The better your mouth feels, the more you can add firm foods back into your diet, such as:

• Stewed or slow-cooked meats

• Cooked veggies & rice

• Eggs

Expert insight: if you wear an upper denture, food may taste a bit different. While this is normal due to the roof of your mouth being covered, you can explore upgrading to an implant denture so food tastes like new.

Enjoy what you want (6+ months after healing)

Delicious news! After your new denture is a comfortable part of your daily life, you can get back to most of the tasty treats you enjoy, such as:

• Ground meats

• Most ripe fruits

• Desserts & chocolate

• Chips (occasionally)

Remember: chew thoroughly and add proper cleaning and care to make your denture(s) last.

Things you can’t eat with dentures

Foods off the menu

To make sure your denture fits long-term, take a pass on:

• Tough or hard foods

• Creamy foods (nut butters)

• Dense foods (dense bread)

• Chewy or sticky foods (gum, taffy, etc.)

• Extremely hot/cold foods (while healing)

How to apply denture adhesive

Step 1: Clean your denture

Start with a clean, dry denture before applying your recommended adhesive. A clean denture means a clean application so your smile stays put securely throughout the day.

Step 2: Apply your paste

When it comes to adhesives, we recommend using a paste for easy application. Simply apply your adhesive in short, even strips along the side of your denture that meets the roof of your mouth or your bottom gums. Avoid the edges to prevent wasting excess product.

Step 3: Press and hold

After you’re done applying your adhesive, position the denture in your mouth and press it into place. Either firmly hold it in place with your fingers or gently bite down for a few seconds for a secure, lasting fit.

Remove your denture adhesive like a pro

Step 1: Start with a rinse

When it’s time to take your dentures out, start by rinsing your mouth with warm water. This helps loosen the adhesive, making removal easier.

Step 2: Gently remove your denture

Next, carefully take out your dentures by gently rocking them back and forth with your fingers to avoid any discomfort.

Step 3: Clean your smile

After removing your dentures, clean any leftover adhesive from your dentures. Use a soft toothbrush and a damp cloth to do this gently. Then, rinse your dentures under warm water and soak them in a denture cleanser.