5 Foods You Should Avoid If You Have Dentures

If you have experienced extensive tooth loss, dentures are an ideal way to restore the appearance and function of your smile. This way, you can regain the confidence to chew your food, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. However, when you first get your new dentures, it will take you some time to get used to them, and some foods are more challenging to chew than others. Here are five foods you might want to avoid with your replacement teeth.

Steak

Many people like to treat themselves to a nice steak for dinner. However, this can be very difficult for you to eat when you have dentures. Since steak requires so much chewing, combining them with new dentures can cause gum pain. This can also cause your dentures to be dislodged. This is a food item that you should probably avoid as you adjust to your new smile. When you are ready, cut your steak into very small, bite-sized pieces to make it easier to chew.

Sticky Candy

Do you like sugary treats? Caramel, peanut brittle, and gummies can all be delicious. However, when you wear dentures, they have the tendency to stick. It is very hard to remove these items from dentures, so it is a good idea to avoid them. The good news is that you don’t need to five up on sweets entirely. Choose denture-friendly treats, like soft chocolates, ice cream, fruit smoothies, and puddings.

Dark-Colored Drinks

Just like natural teeth, dentures are prone to staining. These stains will come faster and more prominent if you indulge in dark-colored foods and beverages. Some of the most common culprits include red wine, black tea, and coffee. Caffeine is also a diuretic, so they can cause dehydration and dry mouth, creating additional issues with your dentures and gums.

Nuts

Nuts have a wide range of health benefits and are a great snack to enjoy throughout the day. However, if you are new to dentures, it might be a good idea to avoid them at first. When you wear dentures, it is important that you use both sides of your mouth when you chew. This prevents the dentures from coming out. Because nuts are a hard snack and we eat them on the backside of the mouth, they can be very difficult to chew as you are adjusting.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a popular snack, but it can be challenging to eat when you have dentures. If a kernel becomes stuck beneath your dentures, it can cause significant irritation. As you adjust to your dentures, popcorn shouldn’t be your go-to snack.

Dentures are a lifechanging tooth-replacement option, but they take some time to get used to. Be especially careful about the foods listed above. This way, you can adjust to your new smile quickly and comfortably.

About the Author

Dr. Cline earned his dental doctorate from Creighton University. Since then, he has been committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. To learn more about dentures or to schedule an appointment at his office in Idaho Falls, visit his website or call (208) 487-5987.