Solutions for Common Denture ProblemsLos Angeles, CA

How To Eat While Wearing Dentures

Dentures provide only a fraction of the biting and chewing power compared to healthy natural teeth. With that in mind, eating while wearing dentures takes some practice and adjusting. As the patient practices, it is critical to consider the following:

• Start with soft foods: We do not recommend eating hard or sticky foods when wearing dentures. When first getting dentures, it is good to start with soft foods, such as applesauce and pudding. After getting the hang of eating and swallowing with dentures, it is time to move on to soft foods that require a little chewing, like scrambled eggs.
• Chew on both sides: Taking small bites and chewing equal amounts on both sides of the mouth at the same time helps keep the dentures balanced.
• Check temperatures before eating or drinking: Dentures have an insulating effect on the mouth. Consequently, as explained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it may be difficult to judge food temperature. As such, patients should use their lips to check food and beverage temperature.
• Be patient: These issues should resolve as one gets used to all the sensations associated with a new set of dentures.

Furthermore, to prevent toothache, cavities, and stained teeth, patients should eat a balanced diet and treat their dentures with the same care they would afford their natural teeth.

Denture Terminology

Alveolar Bone

The alveolar bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth that keeps the tooth in place.

Bruxism/TMJ/Soreness

Bruxism/TMJ soreness is the pain that follows excessive and unconscious teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

Clasp

A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.

Denture Adhesive

Denture adhesive help the dentures remain in the mouth and prevent them from falling out when the wearer laughs, speaks or eats.

Denture Base

The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.

Denture Slippage

Denture slippage is when dentures fall out of place or become loose since the jawbone beneath the gums lack stimulation and begin to diminish.

Edentulous

Edentulous is a term that applies to people who do not have any teeth.

Pontic

Pontic is another term for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.

Poor Fitting Dentures

Poor fitting dentures are typically loose dentures that do not fit properly and fall out when the individual is eating, speaking or laughing.

Rebase

Rebase is the process of refitting denture prosthesis by replacing the base material.

Reline

Reline is when a professional resurfaces the surface of the prosthesis with a new base material.

Resin/Acrylic

Resin and Acrylic are resinous materials that can be components in a denture base.

Speaking Difficulties

Patients who do not seek proper dental treatment lose teeth will find that it becomes difficult to speak properly and may need artificial teeth to speak clearly again.

Stomatitis

Stomatitis is the inflammation of the tissue that is underlying a denture that does not fit properly. It can also result from other oral health factors.

Xerostomia

Xerostomia is also known as dry mouth, which is a condition where the salivary glands do not make enough saliva to keep the mouth moist.