Eating and speaking with new dentures

Eating and speaking with a new prosthesis requires practice. The teeth may be positioned slightly differently than you are used to and your tongue, lips, cheeks and chewing muscles must learn to use the new shape. Start slowly and don't compare your first days with anyone else: every mouth and every denture is different.

The most important basics: make small pieces, chew slowly and as evenly as possible on both sides. Practice speaking out loud every day. If a complaint does not gradually improve, we can check whether the fit, bite or tooth position needs to be adjusted.

Eating: build it up step by step

You don't have to be able to eat everything right away. First, choose foods that allow you to properly control movement and pressure. Only go to the next step when the previous one feels comfortable and safe.

Step 1 – soft and easy to distribute

yoghurt, quark and porridge;
soup without hard parts;
mashed potatoes and well-cooked vegetables;
scrambled eggs, omelette and soft fish;
minced meat, ragout or very tender finely chopped meat;
soft fruit, applesauce or banana;
soft pasta or rice with sufficient sauce.

Step 2 – a little more structure

soft bread without hard crust, in small pieces;
potatoes and firmer vegetables well cooked;
tender chicken, fish or meat in small pieces;
peeled fruit that is not too hard;
soft cheese and well-cooked legumes.

Step 3 – gradually return to normal diet

When chewing becomes more stable, you can carefully try firmer foods. First cut an apple, carrot, hard rind or piece of meat into small pieces instead of biting off a large piece with your front teeth. Test one new product at a time. This way you will clearly notice which structure is still difficult.

A transition can take several days, but also longer. Immediately placed dentures, wound healing, a dry mouth or a mobile lower denture can delay the build-up.

The correct chewing technique

Sit up straight and take time for meals.
Take small bites. Large bites require more force and make the prosthesis tilt more easily.
Divide the food. Chew gently left and right, preferably as evenly as possible.
Use especially the molars. Biting off large pieces with the front teeth can loosen entire dentures.
Bring your back teeth together in a controlled movement. Biting hard does not help and can cause pressure sores.
Only swallow when the food is fine enough. If necessary, take a small sip of water in between.

The goal is not maximum strength, but a gentle rhythm. Your tongue helps bring food to the chewing surfaces and at the same time learns to stabilize the denture.

What should you avoid in the beginning?

Temporarily be careful with:

very hard crusts, hard nuts, and hard raw vegetables;
tough meat or food with long threads;
sticky toffee, chewing gum and very sticky spreads;
small hard kernels or seeds that can get under the prosthesis;
very hot food when your ability to sense temperature is reduced;
large pieces that you have to tear off with your front teeth.

This does not mean that these products are forever impossible. Try them again later when your mouth has adjusted better and the denture is stable.

Food gets under the prosthesis

Food can sometimes get under a removable prosthesis. This happens more easily with a denture that is still new, with a changed jaw or with a plate denture that rests on the mucous membrane.

rinse the mouth and dentures after meals;
clean the prosthesis before replacing it;
do not use sharp objects to remove food;
have the fit checked when a lot of food always ends up under the same edge.

On the page Cleaning and storage contains the complete cleaning instructions per prosthesis type.

Eating with a complete upper and lower denture

The upper denture often has a greater suction effect due to the larger surface of the palate. The lower denture has less support space and is influenced by the tongue, cheeks and floor of the mouth. This allows the lower denture in particular to move during eating.

Start with small amounts on both sides and do not try to always control the lower denture with the tongue. Even pressure is more important than biting hard. If the prosthesis continues to chatter, tilt or slide painfully, we will assess the fit and bite.

Eating with a plate or frame prosthesis

A partial denture works together with your own teeth. Chewing may therefore feel different at first and food may end up around brackets or under the plate. Spread the chewing force and, out of caution, avoid eating on just one side all the time.

Pain in a tooth on which the frame rests, a bracket that comes loose, or a denture that no longer fits completely into place after eating should be checked. Never bite down on a plate or frame with force.

Eating with implant-retained removable dentures

Implant-retained removable dentures usually provide more retention, but your mouth muscles and bite still need time to adjust. Before eating, check that the denture is securely attached on both sides. If it does not fit into place, do not force it.

Does one stud attachment feel different, does the prosthesis come loose during eating or does pain arise around an implant or bar? Please contact us. Wear of mounting parts can affect retention.

After tooth extraction or implant placement

After surgery, swelling, wound healing, and temporary tenderness can affect eating. Follow the personal feeding and wearing instructions of the practitioner who performed the procedure. Choose soft foods for as long as necessary and do not place more strain on a temporary prosthesis or recently treated implant area than recommended.

Continue to eat and drink enough

Due to chewing problems, people can unknowingly eat less. Therefore, choose soft products that contain sufficient nutrients, such as dairy, egg, fish, legumes, soft vegetables and well-prepared meat or vegetable substitutes. Custard, soup or applesauce alone usually provide too little variation in the long term.

Do you unintentionally lose weight, regularly skip meals or are you unable to eat enough? Discuss this with your doctor or dietician and let us check the prosthesis. Chewing problems can contribute to malnutrition, especially in vulnerable elderly people.

Speaking: why does it sound different?

For sounds, your tongue uses fixed contact points against the teeth and palate. With a new prosthesis, these points may have changed slightly. The space in the mouth and the position of the front teeth also influence the sound. This may cause you to temporarily lisp, whistle or feel as if you are speaking with a full mouth.

Usually the tongue and muscles adapt through repetition. Practicing calmly and often works better than one long practice session.

Daily speaking exercises

Read aloud for five to ten minutes. Choose a newspaper, book or letter that you like.
Start slowly. Pronounce words clearly and only increase the pace later.
Repeat difficult sounds. Practice words such as s, z, f, v, t, d, k and g.
Count out loud. Count from one to twenty and then back.
Practice in front of a mirror. This way you can see whether your lips and jaw are unnecessarily tense.
Record yourself briefly. Your pronunciation often sounds more natural to others than it feels to you.
Talk in a quiet environment. Start with someone you feel comfortable with.

A brief dry mouth during long periods of talking can make the denture feel less stable. Take a sip of water regularly and discuss persistent mouth dryness with us.

What can a particular complaint mean?

Lisp or whistle

The tongue is still looking for the right place near the front teeth and the palate. Practice slowly with s and z sounds. If the problem remains, we can assess the space for the tongue and the position of the teeth.

The teeth click while speaking

This can occur because you still keep the jaw tense or because you have to learn to dose the bite. Try to speak more calmly and not clench your jaw. A persistent tap may be a reason to check the bite.

The prosthesis comes loose when speaking or laughing

Your muscles may still need to learn to stabilize the prosthesis. If it always comes loose in the same way or if it does not get better, have the edge length, fit and bite assessed.

Gagging while speaking

Breathe calmly through the nose and practice briefly. If you continue to gag or are unable to wear the prosthesis, please contact us. Never file the rear edge yourself.

When should you contact us?

eating remains very difficult despite practice;
you repeatedly choke or food gets stuck;
you lose weight unintentionally;
the prosthesis keeps tipping, chattering or coming loose;
wounds or pain occur when chewing or speaking;
a native tooth, bracket, implant or attachment feels painful or loose;
speech remains noticeably affected or gets worse;
the denture breaks, cracks or a tooth becomes loose.

In the event of repeated choking or real swallowing problems, assessment by the GP is also important. Via appointment and contact you can have the prosthesis checked by us.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I eat normally again?

This varies by person and treatment. Gradually broaden your diet once you can manage soft foods without significant pain or instability. After extractions or implant treatment, follow your treating clinician’s individual advice.

Should I chew left and right at the same time?

Chewing as evenly as possible on both sides is especially helpful in keeping complete dentures stable. It doesn't have to be done at the same time, but avoid chewing exclusively on one side for a long time.

Can I bite off with my front teeth?

Small, soft pieces are often possible later. Large or hard pieces will loosen a complete denture more quickly. Therefore, first cut them small and use the molars to chew quietly.

How long will my speech be different?

You will often notice improvement within a few days, but full habituation may take longer. Reading out loud every day helps. We are happy to have persistent problems checked.

Resources and further information

This page is based on official patient information and supplemented with our practical instructions:

General information does not replace personal treatment advice. Your oral situation, type of prosthesis and possible wound healing determine which structure is suitable for you.