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Question:  I just got dentures last week and just recently started eating. I'm having problems with food getting caught under the dentures and my natural gums. What do I do about it?

Jan 04, 2012 12:15 pm

Food debris may accumulate on your dentures and between your dentures and your gums. Drinking plenty of water while you eat may help to reduce the food on the denture, but many denture wearers often excuse themselves after a meal to rinse off their dentures. If your dentures are relatively new and fit well, you may apply a small amount of denture adhesive to help “seal” the denture and reduce movement of the denture as you chew. If you choose to use denture adhesive, only apply three or four pea-sized dabs to each of the upper and lower denture. To learn how to properly apply denture adhesive visit http://www.prosthodontics.org/patients/dentures.asp.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  I just got partials...is there any particular food I should stay away from like peanuts? What about coffee and possible foods that may stain?

Jan 04, 2012 12:13 pm

When you first get your dentures focus on eating foods that are soft and don’t require much chewing like scrambled eggs, baked potatoes and pasta. As you become adjusted to the dentures and you learn how to adjust your tongue to help hold the denture in place, add some other foods. Just remember to let your knife and fork start the chewing process for you by cutting your food into small bites. Then chew on both sides of your mouth using the back teeth only. A small amount of denture adhesive may help hold your dentures in place or you may want to consider dental implants for ultimate security. To minimize staining, properly clean your dentures daily to remove food and plaque bacteria.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  how long does it take for the swelling to go down in my face after having all teeth removed

Jan 04, 2012 12:13 pm

The pain and swelling will subside once healing is complete and your dentures are adjusted. You will experience discomfort until the healing is complete, which lasts a minimum of two to ten months, depending on your ability to heal. Regular visits to your dentist or prosthodontist to adjust the dentures as you go through the normal healing process are recommended. To locate a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  I have lost most of my teeth,what is the least expendsive way for me to get some false ones? Ernie.

Jan 04, 2012 12:10 pm

Today's economy makes it difficult on everyone, so it's quite normal to look for cost saving measures. Finding a source for affordable dentures is not always easy, but you may wish to contact your state or local dental society to see if they have a listing of local dental fees. If you have a unique problem, you may want to seek the care of a prosthodontist, a dentist with three years of training beyond dental school who specializes in the care and maintenance of dentures. To locate a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  i am wearing new dentures. how do i eat with them and what do i eat

Jan 04, 2012 12:09 pm

When you first get your dentures focus on eating foods that are soft and don’t require much chewing like scrambled eggs, baked potatoes and pasta. As you become adjusted to the dentures and you learn how to adjust your tongue to help hold the denture in place, add some other foods. Just remember to let your knife and fork start the chewing process for you by cutting your food into small bites. Then chew on both sides of your mouth using the back teeth only. A small amount of denture adhesive may help hold your dentures in place or you may want to consider dental implants for ultimate security.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  I am about to have my upper teeth extracted and same day denture what can I expect?

Jan 04, 2012 12:06 pm

After your teeth are removed the jaw bone begins to change shape and starts to shrink. These changes in the gums and bone are significant for the first six months, to one year and the changes will continue at a slower pace over decades. It is common to place an immediate denture the same day the teeth are extracted. This denture is either remade or relined after six months to one year and it is customary to charge for this procedure. It is common to have the reline done every 3 years since you gums and bone are changing but the dentures are not. You also probably need a few weeks to learn to eat normal foods with your denture. But try cutting foods in to smaller pieces and placing the foods on the back teeth. Biting into foods with denture front teeth is difficult.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists