How To Eat With Dentures: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Eat with Dentures PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD and Dev Murphy, MA

Last Updated: March 30, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Getting Adjusted to Dentures
    • |
  • Enjoying the Foods You Love
    • |
  • Avoiding Certain Foods
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD and by wikiHow staff writer, Dev Murphy, MA. Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 214,996 times.

Eating with dentures isn't like eating with your regular teeth. Chewing on only one side of your mouth can loosen your dentures and cause them to slip. Foods with certain textures can break or dislodge them, so be patient and give yourself a few weeks to get adjusted to your dentures. Perhaps you'll have to avoid some foods, but learning some denture-friendly food preparation tricks will allow you to keep enjoying most of the foods you love.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Getting Adjusted to Dentures

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  1. Step 1 Chew on both sides of your mouth. 1 Chew on both sides of your mouth. The food should be in the back on both sides of your mouth or in the front corners. Chew slowly on both sides at the same time. This way, your dentures will more likely stay in place and will evenly distribute the chewing pressure.[1]
  2. Step 2 Avoid chewing with your front teeth. 2 Avoid chewing with your front teeth. If you try to bite food with your front teeth you risk displacing your dentures. Instead, bite the food using the side teeth and use your tongue to bring food to the back of your mouth. Chew thoroughly and slowly before you swallow.[2] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Break your dentures in with a liquid diet. 3 Break your dentures in with a liquid diet. For people who have never worn dentures before, it may be very difficult to eat any sort of solid food. Drink nutrient-dense liquids like juiced fruits and vegetables or milk (animal- or plant-based). Then, work your way up to puréed fruits and vegetables, such as applesauce or compote.[3] Other good choices include:
    • Tea or coffee sweetened with honey
    • Soups, broths, or bisques without chunks of other foods
  4. Step 4 Transition to a soft diet. 4 Transition to a soft diet. These foods are easy to chew and swallow. Cut or mash your food before eating, if necessary.[4] In addition to the foods you could eat on your liquid diet, you can also eat:
    • Soft cheese, eggs, mashed potatoes, ground meat, cooked legumes
    • Soft fruits, boiled rice, and pasta
    • Breads and cereals softened with milk or water
    5. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Enjoying the Foods You Love

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  1. Step 1 Use denture adhesive. 1 Use denture adhesive. Denture adhesive protects against food particles getting stuck between your dentures and gums.[5] Make sure your denture is clean and dry, then squeeze the adhesive in short strips into the dentures beds. To prevent the adhesive from oozing out of your dentures, avoid getting the adhesive close to the edges. Start with a small amount and gradually add more if you need it.
    • This is especially necessary for your lower denture, which has less surface area contacting your mouth surfaces. Ask your dentist for specific recommendations based on dentures and your diet.
    • Rinse and brush your dentures each night to remove food particles and plaque, and keep them in warm water or denture solution when you're not wearing them to keep them from warping.[6]
  2. Step 2 Cut tough foods into smaller pieces. 2 Cut tough foods into smaller pieces. For example, slice your apple or raw carrot into manageable pieces instead of biting into the whole thing.[7] Remove corn from the cob with a sharp knife. Tear the crust away from your pizza or garlic bread. If you adjust your eating technique for a particular food, you don't have to give up that food.
  3. Step 3 Steam your vegetables. 3 Steam your vegetables. Raw vegetables can be hard to eat with dentures.[8] Steaming them will maintain their flavor while giving them a softer, yet somewhat crispy, texture. Pour about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water into a large pot. Place it on a burner set to high and let it come to a rolling boil. Place a steaming basket into the pot above the water and add your fresh vegetables. Cover the pot and allow the veggies to soften for about 10 minutes.[9]
    4. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Avoiding Certain Foods

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  1. Step 1 Abstain from solid hard foods. 1 Abstain from solid hard foods. Dentures can easily break if you put excessive pressure on them. Stay away from foods that require added force to chew them properly. Some of these foods include croutons, crispy granola bars, and nuts.[10]
    • You could substitute nuts with pitted olives, which are also a good source of healthy fats.
  2. Step 2 Avoid sticky foods. 2 Avoid sticky foods. They can get trapped and stick in between your dentures and gums. Sticky foods can also dislodge your dentures and cause pain and discomfort.[11] Steer clear of chewing gum, taffy, chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter.
    • Hummus is a good alternative to peanut butter. It's spreadable and provides protein without the sticky texture.
  3. Step 3 Don't eat foods with small particles. 3 Don't eat foods with small particles. Fruits with seeds could easily get caught between your dentures and gums. Avoid strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and seeded grapes. You should also stay away from baked goods with seeds on the crust. This includes poppy seed muffins, sesame seed buns, and kaiser rolls.[12]
    • Substitute seedy fruits with blueberries and seedless grapes. If you must have seedy baked goods, opt for breads, buns, muffins, etc. with baked-in seeds or grains that have been ground.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

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  • Question Can you use whitening strips on dentures? Tu Anh Vu, DMD Tu Anh Vu, DMD Board Certified Dentist Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Tu Anh Vu, DMD Tu Anh Vu, DMD Board Certified Dentist Expert Answer No! Don't use whitening strips on your dentures. The strips won't make them whiter. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
  • Question Is it bad to leave dentures in all the time? Tu Anh Vu, DMD Tu Anh Vu, DMD Board Certified Dentist Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Tu Anh Vu, DMD Tu Anh Vu, DMD Board Certified Dentist Expert Answer Yes! You need to take your dentures out at night so your gums have time to rest and heal. Otherwise, you might get sores. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 13
  • Question If I have dentures, how can I take care of them? Tu Anh Vu, DMD Tu Anh Vu, DMD Board Certified Dentist Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Tu Anh Vu, DMD Tu Anh Vu, DMD Board Certified Dentist Expert Answer Take them off every night to let your gums heal and recover, and rinse and brush your dentures each day, especially at night. When you're not wearing your dentures, keep them in lukewarm water or a denture solution to keep them from warping. Also, have your dentures professionally fitted to make sure they're comfortable. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 23
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Take your dentures out every night to let your gums heal and recover.[13] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
  • To make sure your dentures are comfortable, have them fit by a professional.[14] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • If you have a denture for the upper arch, you might notice an altered sense of taste in the beginning. However, this shouldn't be permanent, since most tastebuds are on your tongue. Talk to your dentist if your sense of taste doesn't improve after a few weeks. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Avoid hard food on your first day of wearing dentures. You can very easily break them if you chew the wrong way. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 1
  • If you try to eat solid food before you are used to your dentures, you could swallow a piece of unchewed food and begin to choke. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 3
  • Do not use whitening strips with your dentures.[15] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth
  2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9319444/
  3. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dentures/
  4. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dentures/
  5. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9319444/
  6. ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dentist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.
  7. ↑ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/teeth-and-mouth/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth#dentures
  8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9319444/
  9. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-steam-vegetables-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-108512
More References (6)
  1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9319444/
  2. ↑ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-teeth-and-mouth
  3. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3545413/
  4. ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dentist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.
  5. ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dentist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.
  6. ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Dentist. Personal interview. 7 May 2020.

About This Article

Tu Anh Vu, DMD Co-authored by: Tu Anh Vu, DMD Board Certified Dentist This article was co-authored by Tu Anh Vu, DMD and by wikiHow staff writer, Dev Murphy, MA. Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. This article has been viewed 214,996 times. 50 votes - 96% Co-authors: 10 Updated: March 30, 2025 Views: 214,996 Categories: Dentures

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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Article SummaryX

Eating with dentures can feel awkward at first, but you can make it easier by working your way up to hard foods and avoiding foods that can break or displace your dentures When you first get your dentures, stick to a liquid diet and gradually transition to soft foods, like eggs, pasta, and boiled rice. As you work your way back to harder foods, focus on chewing on both sides of your mouth so your dentures are more likely to stay in place. Avoid chewing with your front teeth, which could displace your dentures. Instead, bite your food using your side teeth. While having dentures shouldn't alter your diet too much, there are certain foods that you should avoid, like nuts, caramel, toffee, gum, and berries with small seeds. To learn how to use denture adhesive, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Joan Stephens

    Joan Stephens

    Mar 5, 2019

    "I had no pain with top dentures, but bottoms were a whole different story. Developed bone spurs one week out and..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Tu Anh Vu, DMD Co-authored by: Tu Anh Vu, DMD Board Certified Dentist Co-authors: 10 Updated: March 30, 2025 Views: 214,996 96% of readers found this article helpful. 50 votes - 96% Click a star to add your vote Joan Stephens

Joan Stephens

Mar 5, 2019

"I had no pain with top dentures, but bottoms were a whole different story. Developed bone spurs one week out and..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Apr 10, 2017

"All of the articles gave me insight on wearing dentures and techniques one must use when eating such as: chewing on..." more Cristina Camarero

Cristina Camarero

Jul 8, 2019

"I just started using my upper and lower dentures about 3 weeks ago and I was miserable! Thanks to this article,..." more Doug Jackson

Doug Jackson

Apr 10, 2017

"It gave me an idea about the foods that I can and can't eat. Also gave me an idea about how I must eat food..." more Joy Rinnah

Joy Rinnah

Jul 17, 2016

"Chewing small pieces with both sides of back teeth at once was helpful, as was avoiding sweets, seeds, nuts, and..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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