Dentures are a great form of tooth replacement. They can restore your ability to speak clearly, smile confidently, and eat a wide variety of foods. However, they do have their limitations. By making smart dietary choices, you can keep them in good condition and protect your oral tissues from irritation. What foods should you avoid with dentures? This blog post provides some helpful tips.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a tasty snack for movie night, but you likely know how annoying it is to get a kernel or hull stuck between your natural teeth. With dentures, the problem can be even worse. Small pieces of popcorn might sneak beneath your prosthetic and cause persistent irritation.
Many foods with small seeds or other hard parts can cause similar issues, so use your best judgement when deciding what to consume.
Steak and Other Chewy Meats
Most steaks tend to be on the chewy side, which can be a challenge for your dentures and your gums to handle, particularly if you are new to using your prosthesis. Other chewy and/or dry meats can also be somewhat difficult to consume. You may find it easier to stick to things like poultry and ground meat — at least until you are well-adjusted to using your new teeth.
Nuts
Nuts are nutritious and satisfying, but they are not ideal for denture wearers. Because they are somewhat hard, if you do not carefully distribute them on both sides of your mouth, they could easily destabilize your denture. Plus, they can break down into small pieces and may irritate your gums.
Sticky Foods
Traditional dentures are anchored in the mouth with the help of natural suction or a mild adhesive. Unfortunately, some sticky foods can overpower the forces that are keeping your denture in place. Things like caramel and toffee might pull your prosthetic right off of your gums!
Chewing gum is also something to be wary of. Unless you are using a brand that is specifically designed for denture wearers, it is best to avoid it altogether.
Highly Pigmented Beverages
Coffee, red wine, and dark-colored tea all have the potential to stain your new teeth, particularly if they are made out of acrylic rather than porcelain. It is best to enjoy such items in moderation. Sip them through a straw so they have minimal contact with your teeth. Better yet, you might choose to completely avoid them while your dentures are in your mouth.
Stronger Dentures, More Options
As the above information makes obvious, traditional dentures can put a few significant limitations on your dietary choices. If you would like to be able to eat virtually anything, ask your dentist if you are a candidate for implant dentures. They are stabilized by prosthetic tooth roots, making them incredibly strong and capable of standing up to the vast majority of foods.
Dentures come with a lot of benefits. Make good food choices so your prosthetic can serve you well for years to come.
Meet the Practice
The skilled, highly experienced team at Aveni Dental Professionals offers multiple tooth replacement solutions. Whether you are curious about dentures or want to know more about implant-supported options, we are ready and eager to answer your questions. To book an appointment or learn more about us, contact our Plymouth dental office at 508-876-3381.