Food for Denture Wearers

If youy're a denture wearer, you will need to make adjustments to your diet after you receive your false teeth. Dentures tend to shift a bit in the mouth while you're chewing, especially as you grow accustomed to them. For best results, start out with easy-to-chew foods and work up to harder items.

Adjustment Period

• Right after getting the dentures, take it easy. Not only will your mouth be getting used to the dentures, but you will also need to practice using them before you are able to manipulate them successfully. During the first few days, stick to liquids such as broth, meal-replacement shakes and water. Scrambled eggs, yogurt, pudding and other soft foods that don't really require chewing would also be acceptable. Continue on this diet until you feel comfortable wearing the dentures.

Adding More Foods

• Once you have adjusted to having the dentures in your mouth, you can begin adding more foods to your diet. Start with soft, easily chewed foods such as mashed potatoes, boneless fish, fully-cooked vegetables, bananas, oatmeal and soups. Cut the food into very small bites (about the size of a postage stamp) before putting it in your mouth. Chew the food using both sides of your mouth simultaneously; this will keep the dentures in place.

Eating for Life

• As you become adept at eating soft foods, you can incorporate more items. Try different types of meats, cooked vegetables and fruits at first. Try to avoid raw vegetables and items that contain bones, as these hard foods can chip the dentures. You'll also want to keep away from sticky items, such as candy, gum and dried fruit. When taking a bite out of a food, use your canine teeth instead of your front teeth. Dentures are not made to withstand a great amount of force. If possible, cut your food into chewable pieces before putting it in your mouth--don't bite into it.