loss of teeth

My 6 year old dog has recently lost 8 teeth, all of them in the back upper jaw. One vet (2 years out of school)says she will need to eat soft dog food only for the rest of her life. Another, older vet says that her gums will become very hard and she will be able to eat kibble if she wants. It's my understanding that the kibble will be better for the rest of her teeth and that's what we have been feeding her up to now. What's the best advice? Thanks.
   

Hang in there with the kibble for as long as you can.
   
You will know when it's time to switch to softer foods when your dog is no longer able to eat.
   
If he is able to eat the kibble now then he's not at that point yet.
   
This is one of those times when you have to temper medical advice with your own good judgment so keep an eye on him while he's eating and when the time comes when it becomes really difficult for him, that's when you make your move.
   
Unlike humans, who need dentures when they lose their teeth, dogs are able to adjust to some extent. This is how they survive in the wild (since they lack dog dentists of course).
   
Good luck, hope he's chomping kibble for years to come.