Denture Dilemma: 4 Foods to Avoid

Dentures are the trusted method for restoring a full set of teeth because they bring back so much of your ability to eat and speak like you used to. That said, they’re not permanently installed and can be impacted by the foods and drinks you consume. They can become damaged or dislodged mid-meal if you’re not careful, which can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, or both. Instead, keep reading to learn about 4 foods that are known to be problematic for dentures!

Food #1: Steak

Though it’s tempting to want to sink your teeth into a perfectly seared steak, it’s not an easy task with dentures. Meat like steak tends to be chewy and hard to break apart in your mouth, especially with prosthetics. You could end up overworking your jaw or rubbing your gums raw with all the extra chewing. Instead, slice your steak into much smaller, bite-sized pieces and use more tender cuts that are softer and easier to disintegrate.

Food #2: Popcorn

Though popcorn is popular at outdoor fairs or while viewing the latest blockbuster, it’s also notorious for getting stuck between your teeth. When you have dentures in place of natural pearly whites, the thin kernels also jam themselves in the space between your gums and your restoration. Not only is this irritating, but leftover food particles also attract unhealthy bacteria that contribute to oral issues like gum disease. To prevent such problems, steer clear of this salty snack.

Food #3: Nuts

Munching on a handful of sunflower seeds or almonds isn’t an unhealthy habit by itself but doesn’t mix well with dentures. Nuts often contain protein and other nutrients but are hard on your dental work. Ideally, you should stick to foods that you can chew evenly on both sides of your mouth to prevent your prosthetic teeth from wearing down unevenly. Unfortunately, you probably have been noshing your nuts with one set of molars because they’re so hard and require the strength of your back teeth to break through. You could harm your dental gear by trying to break them down.

Food #4: Sticky Candies

Though delicious, many sugary snacks like candies and gummies should be avoided once you’re fitted with dentures. The sticky ingredients cling to your false teeth in various nooks and crannies that are nearly impossible to reach, making cleanup a real challenge. Plus, they can gum up your prosthetics and pull them out of place, or even bend their shape so they don’t fit correctly anymore. If you can’t give up sweets altogether, opt for soft chocolates, fruit smoothies, or puddings that are less clingy.

Now that you know some common culprits to steer clear of, you can make the most of your dentures for years to come!

About the Practice

At Gerome & Patrice Family Dentistry, patients benefit from two dentists who provide a full range of oral care services, including dentures. With over 3 decades of experience, they can treat patients of all ages and through all stages of dental development. They can provide full or partial dentures to improve your daily quality of life by helping you chew, speak, and laugh like you used to. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (513) 677-1349.