Eating with partial dentures for the first time

Eating with partial dentures for the first time

Eating with Partial Dentures

When you have missing teeth, and you have taken the step of getting them replaced with partial dentures, you may well be wondering just how similar your partial dentures are to your teeth. You will likely have questions about eating with partial dentures and be wondering if your new partial denture will make life easier – or harder. This is a short piece designed to address some of the common questions people have when getting teeth replaced with partial dentures in the hopes it helps you to make a decision about tooth replacement.

Want to know more about partial dentures Brisbane? Our dental technicians are highly experienced in tooth replacement with partial dentures and can answer any questions you may have. Contact us today.

Can You Eat with Partial Dentures?

This is one of the most common questions our dental technicians get asked, especially as many people are unfamiliar with how partial dentures work in the mouth. Partial dentures, also sometimes called false teeth, are a special dental appliance which is molded to fit your mouth, providing you with a functional and aesthetic solution to missing teeth. It can be a bit tough to get used to the feeling of partial dentures in your mouth, and there can be some new sensations to get used to with chewing, but once you’re used to them you’ll never want to be without them again.

In short, when answering the question of ‘can you eat with partial dentures?’ the answer is: yes, you absolutely can. But there may be a period of adjustment as you get used to the new feeling in your mouth. It is wise to take a period of time sticking to soft foods and dishes that don’t require a lot of chewing and jaw work. Once you are more used to your dentures you will be able to get stuck into your favourite foods without too much of an issue.

Eating with New Partial Dentures

New partial dentures are a challenge in and of themselves, and you will be getting used to cleaning your dentures, smiling with your new dentures, and generally adjusting to having them in your mouth. Eating with new partial dentures is naturally going to cause some minor difficulty, just due to the fact that certain foods are going to cause more problems than others.

  • Eating with new partial dentures will require you to take things slowly and make sure you are focusing on chewing properly and keeping your dentures in place.
  • Don’t dive straight into hard foods like lollies and apples – you will need to work up to certain foods.
  • Chew slowly and take small bites when you have your new partial dentures – that way you won’t risk moving your dentures out of their position.

If you have any difficulties with eating with partial dentures you can always speak to a dental technician at Denture Health Care – we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Can you Eat Steak with Partial Dentures

Steak is one of the favourite foods of many people – and when it comes to eating steak with partial dentures it certainly is possible. You may have to make a couple of concessions though, just to ensure that you do not dislodge your new teeth while eating with partial dentures.

  • When eating steak, make sure that you have your steak cut up into nice, small pieces. That way the amount of chewing required is less than if you bite off a big piece.
  • Chew your steak well when it is in your mouth, moving it around if you need to, and taking care to keep your dentures in position in your mouth.
  • If you find that eating steak is difficult with your partial dentures, speak to our dental technicians about your partial denture positioning.

So, can you eat steak with partial dentures? Of course, you can! Just take it slowly and ensure you look after your new partial dentures.

We want to ensure you can enjoy all of your favourite foods with your new partial dentures. Eating with partial dentures should be easy, pleasant, and enjoyable – so speak to our team of dental technicians today about your partial dentures Brisbane.

  • Can You Get a Partial Denture for One Tooth?

  • Can You Brush Dentures While in Your Mouth?

Can You Eat with Partial Dentures?

Are you new to wearing partials? If you just got or are planning to get partial dentures, eating may seem daunting. It may take some time and practice to get adjusted to life with partial dentures. 

Wearing partials for the first time means getting used to how they feel, remembering to care for them on a daily basis and learning how to eat with them. New changes can be scary at first, but it’s important to remember that partials are designed to help make it easier for you to eat. After all, eating foods with missing teeth can be quite difficult. Not only do partial dentures make it easier to eat food but eating with them can also benefit your overall oral health. Using your partials regularly and keeping them clean every day can eventually lead to a healthier mouth.

Once you get used to wearing your partials, eating should be a breeze. Read on to learn about the benefits of eating with partials and some helpful tips for eating with them.

Why Is it Good to Eat with Partial Dentures?

Partial dentures are handy for covering any gaps that missing teeth leave in your smile. However, partials can do more than just fix your appearance. A tooth gap can affect your bite because the teeth next to the space can move into the gap and change the way your upper and lower teeth fit together.1 If the teeth do not mesh when biting, then food will not be chewed properly and could get lodged into spaces. When food is stuck between teeth, acid can build up that leads to tooth decay or gum disease.1 Chewing without the support of all of your teeth can also be damaging over time, as a tooth gap can put more strain on the teeth at either side of it.1

Eating with partial dentures will also make your life easier by helping you eat. According to the American Dental Association, eating food becomes a much more pleasant experience with partials.2  The more foods you can enjoy, the better!

Tips for Eating with Partial Dentures

You’ll want to follow your dentist’s instructions on wearing and using your partial, but these tips will help you learn to eat with your new partial dentures.

START SLOW

You may be excited to test out your new partials but try to take it slowly at first. Start by taking small bites of softer foods.2 It may be easier for you to eat if you cut your food into small pieces and chew slowly.2 Once you get used to your partial denture, add other food to get back to your normal diet.

DRINK UP

Another great tip for eating with partial dentures is to have a glass of water while you eat to help you chew and swallow your food. Drinking water with your meals will keep you hydrated and will help wash away food particles that could get left behind.

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

Try and avoid foods that are extremely sticky or hard when wearing your partial dentures.2 Be careful when eating foods like meat, firm fruits and vegetables or candies and gum. You may even want to avoid some of these items during the adjustment period.2

What are Some Foods You Can Eat with Partial Dentures?

During the early stages of wearing partial dentures, it may be good to try opting for soft or liquid foods as you adjust to your new teeth. Some good soft foods to try include:

  • Smoothies
  • Bananas
  • Soups
  • Green beans
  • Applesauce
  • Pudding
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Yogurt

Once you get used to wearing your partials, you can enjoy eating most foods without difficulty. As mentioned before, try to avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage your dentures.

How to Care for Your Partial Dentures After Eating

While you learn to eat with your partial dentures, be sure you’re caring for them as well. Just as you would brush your teeth, your partial dentures require daily brushing too. Brushing your partials every day help to remove food deposits and plaque, which keeps the denture from becoming permanently stained.1 Use a toothbrush that is designed for cleaning dentures, such as the Polident Dental Appliance Brush. Toothbrushes that are made for dentures work best because they have bristles that are aligned to fit the shape of the denture.2 Remember to clean your dentures by thoroughly rinsing off loose food particles, but gently enough that the plastic or attachments are not damaged.2

Avoid brushing your partials with a regular toothpaste, as they can be harsh against the materials.2 Instead, choose a denture cleanser like Polident ProPartial Foam Cleanser, a non-abrasive formula that kills 99.99% of odor-causing bacteria*. Do not chew, swallow or gargle with denture cleansers, and always thoroughly rinse your partial before putting it back in your mouth.2

While eating with your new partial dentures may take some time to get used to, you’ll be able to eat the foods you love easier in no time. Learn more about life with partial dentures on the Polident site.

*In laboratory tests

How long does it take to get used to eating with partial dentures?

While some patients feel adjusted after three days, others may not feel completely adjusted until weeks in. You'll know you've learned how to survive with partial dentures when taking care of them has become so habitual that you don't need to think as much about it anymore.

How can I get used to eating with partials?

7 Simple Tips for Eating with Your New Dentures.
Start Slowly. ... .
Chew Evenly. ... .
Be Careful of Hot Liquids. ... .
Cut Your Food Into Smaller Pieces. ... .
Be Mindful of Tough Foods. ... .
Be Careful with Sticky Foods. ... .
A Little Soreness is OK..

Do partial dentures hurt at first?

It's normal to experience discomfort with partials, especially in the first few weeks of wearing them. Your partials may feel awkward or bulky as you get used to them. You may also experience sore spots as your gums and mouth as you adjust to the new partial denture.

Should partial dentures move when you eat?

The only reason your partial denture might be falling out or wiggling around when you're eating is because of a problem with the fit. If this is the case, schedule an appointment at Stanley Dentistry to get your partial re-fit. During your first month with a partial denture, try cutting up your food into small bites.