When you first get dentures, you may be excited about having a full smile again. You’ll be able to show it off confidently, all the while getting some of your bite back. While you can enjoy a wider range of foods compared to before, certain options can cause problems for this prosthetic. To make sure your restored grin stays the best it deserves to be, here are items you should avoid and safer alternatives to reach for.
What Foods Are Not Denture-Friendly?
Your dentures are held in place by the suction they create with your gums. It gives you a stronger bite than before, but foods that require a lot of energy to eat often cause problems, such as:
- Hard items are often a culprit for damage and slippage, so look out for certain raw fruits and vegetables like apples or carrots.
- Sticky candies, like caramel. may be tasty, but they pull at your prosthetic while you chew and are harder to clean out
- Tough meats need to be munched on for longer. Your mouth can become sore, or your restoration can slip.
- Nuts, seeds, and popcorn are some snacks you should steer clear of, specifically. They can find their way under your dentures and cause discomfort and irritation.
What Are Denture-Safe Foods I Can Enjoy?
While it may seem like much of the culinary world is cut off, there are still plenty of options you can indulge in. You can spice them up with different seasonings and flavors to ensure you keep mealtime an exciting adventure. These are just some safe foods you can have with this tooth replacement:
- Pasta and rice
- Ground meats and eggs
- Refried beans and other cooked legumes
- Cottage cheese
- Custard, pudding, ice cream, and other soft treats.
How Can I Expand My Diet with Dentures?
Like any other oral appliance, your mouth will need to get used to eating with dentures. While at first, it’s best if you stick to the gentler options, you may be able to introduce slightly tougher things over time.
However, it’s important you are still wary of them as they can lead to damage. There are ways you can make eating them easier and safer. You should cut hard foods into bite-sized chunks so they are more manageable. You can also blend fruit into smoothies and boil or steam vegetables to make them softer.
If you want a stronger bite with your dentures, then you can consider getting dental implants. These are posts that use your jawbone as a foundation, meaning you can have an easier time chewing. Not everyone is a candidate for this replacement, so talk to your dentist to learn more about it for yourself.
In the end, this prosthetic is a great choice to get a full smile you love. While it can make your mealtime easier, be sure you stick to safer options, so eating stays a comfortable experience.
About the Author
Dr. Joshua Holcomb earned his dental degree from the College of Dentistry, UT Memphis. He is happy to help the Collierville community replace their missing teeth with reliable options like dentures, dental implants, or both. By customizing your results, you can trust that they look natural and feel comfortable. If you want more tips on caring for your restoration, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Holcomb’s office at (901) 850-0300.