As you wear dentures for the first time, you may be excited about having your bite back. You’ll be able to enjoy a wider range of foods that you weren’t able to before. However, as reliable as this prosthetic is, there are certain options you should steer clear of. They pose a risk to your full smile, so here’s what to keep off your plate and safer alternatives you can have instead.
Foods I Should Avoid with Dentures
Since dentures sit on your gums, foods that require a stronger bite to get through often cause problems for many people. Here is a breakdown of a couple you should know:
- Hard foods spell trouble because digging into them can cause damage or slippage. Keep an eye out for raw fruits and vegetables like apples or carrots.
- Sticky treats like taffy and caramel can pull at your dentures while you chew, and they’re often harder to clean out.
- Tough meat needs to be worked on for a while, so you might experience some soreness or slipping.
- Popcorn, seeds, and nuts fall into hard foods, but they put your smile at a bigger risk. They can get lodged underneath your prosthetic, leading to gum irritation.
What Are Some Denture-Safe Foods?
While you may think the culinary world is restricted for you, the good news is that there’s so much more to explore! By adventuring with different spices and flavors, you can keep eating exciting. Here are staples that you can have with dentures:
- Rice and pasta
- Eggs and ground meats
- Cooked legumes, like refried beans
- Cottage cheese
- Soft treats, like ice cream, pudding, and custard.
Getting Adjusted to Dentures
When you are initially wearing your dentures, your mouth will need to adjust to them. It may feel awkward to chew, but as you do, you can start to introduce more tough things. However, they can still pose a threat to your full smile. Instead, you should modify them to make eating them easier. Here are a couple of ways you can:
- Cut hard foods into bite-sized chunks.
- Blend fruit into smoothies.
- Boil or steam vegetables to make them softer.
One way that you can get to a stronger smile than you have with dentures is by attaching your restoration to dental implants. These are posts that are placed into your jawbone, using it as a foundation for a more stable bite. If you can get them, then you can enjoy not worrying about slippage anymore. You will need a consultation beforehand to make sure you are a good candidate for this treatment.
In the end, dentures are still a reliable choice for helping you enjoy your meals more easily. Stick to the safe options, and you can keep munching on food for a comfortable experience.
About the Practice
Dr. Kimberly Peters earned his dental degree from the Augusta University Dental College of Georgia. She has over a decade of experience, which she uses to give the Conyers community the full smiles they deserve. Whether it’s with dentures, dental implants, or both, she can ensure your results are strong and reliable. If you need more tips about navigating your prosthetic, schedule an appointment or call her office at (770) 922-1666.