Five Helpful Hints To Remember When Eating with Implant Supported Dentures

Implant supported dentures will be an exciting experience for you especially if you have waited a long time to make the decision. Having new teeth will take time to adjust to especially when it comes to eating. Your new teeth will feel significantly different from your natural teeth. Your tongue and mouth will adapt to the difference in feeling. Follow the specific directions of your dentist but our helpful tips here may make your transition a bit easier.

1. Take Your Time

Eating with implant-supported dentures will be awkward at first. Remember to go slowly, start with soft foods. Eat only smaller, bite-sized pieces. Take your time while chewing. You can also cut your foods into thin strips and chew with both sides of your mouth.

2. Bite Carefully

Initially, avoid biting with your front teeth. Using your front teeth can destabilize your denture and may cause soreness. If you find you need to bite down on something, use your eye teeth or canines. If you find you have sore spots, see your dentist right away. Sore spots mean you may need an adjustment, do not wait to call your dentist.

3. Your Confidence Will Grow

Your confidence to eat will grow every day with implant supported dentures.

As you continue to eat, your confidence will grow. As you feel more comfortable, begin adding firmer foods. Always avoid hard, sticky foods. You may find it easier to chew food on both sides of your mouth at the same time until you are used to your new appliance.

4. Long Term

As you adjust to your new appliance, you will be able to eat most of the foods you ate with a full set of natural teeth. With implant-supported dentures, you may choose to avoid nuts and seeds as they may slip under your denture and cause irritation to your gums. Continue to avoid hard, sticky foods as well; they may damage your dentures and cause costly repairs.

5. Cleaning Your Appliance

Keeping your appliance and mouth clean is absolutely essential for long-term success. Your dentist will give you personalized instructions for your particular case. Most implant supported denture wearers need to clean under the denture with floss to keep their dental implants healthy.
If you have questions about how to keep your appliance clean or floss, schedule an appointment with your dentist. You’ve come a long way to have a beautiful smile that allows you to eat, laugh and live again and we want it to last a very long time!

Thank you to the following organizations for information used in this article: American Dental Association, Colgate, Georgia Regents University.