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
Hungry for more?
Check out our food recommendations and adhesive application tips.
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
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
Skip: hot foods, chewing gum, nuts and foods that may cause gum pain.
Expand your options
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
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)
For more tips to get the most out your denture, explore our denture care resource.
How to apply denture adhesive
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.
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.
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.
Let’s master your denture adhesive routine
Secure your best smile with these expert tips for applying and removing your denture adhesive.
Remove your denture adhesive like a pro
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.
Gently remove your denture
Next, carefully take out your dentures by gently rocking them back and forth with your fingers to avoid any discomfort.
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.
Done eating?
Time to clean up
Learn how to clean your denture after meals and before bed to maintain your denture.
Need more help?
If the tips above don’t make eating easier, you may need one of two things: a reline, which resurfaces your denture for an improved fit; or a replacement, to get an entirely new smile.