Dentures come with a long list of benefits. For example, they can improve the appearance of your smile and allow you to speak with clarity and confidence. They can also allow you to enjoy a wide variety of foods. However, they do come with some limitations. You may have to make some modifications to your diet in order to help your denture stay in good shape. What are some foods that should be avoided or limited? This blog post lists a few.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a delicious movie-time snack, but it is not ideal for denture wearers. Small pieces of popcorn could sneak under your prosthetic and cause irritation in your gum tissue.
Of course, popcorn is not the only food with small parts that can cause irritation. It is important to be cautious when you are consuming anything with small seeds or other hard, small portions that might interfere with your dentures and the underlying tissue.
Steak and Other Chewy Meats
Many steaks and other meats tend to be a bit chewy. This can be challenging for people who wear dentures, especially if you are still adapting to your prosthetic. For a while, you may find it best to limit your meat choices to tender poultry and ground meat.
Nuts
Nuts are both highly nutritious and delicious, but unfortunately, they may cause problems for people who wear dentures. Because nuts are relatively hard, they could easily destabilize your denture if you do not carefully distribute them on both sides of your mouth. They can also break down into small pieces that slip beneath your dentures and cause irritation.
Sticky Foods
Traditional dentures are helped to stay in the mouth via a mild adhesive or natural suction. Sticky foods might overpower the forces keeping your dentures in place and pull them right off your gums! Therefore, items like toffee, caramels, and taffy should be avoided.
You should also be wary of chewing gum. Even varieties that are labeled as safe for dentures may cause problems. It may be best to suck on a sugar-free mint instead.
Highly Pigmented Beverages
Red wine, tea, and coffee tend to have strong pigments that can stain dentures. If you choose to enjoy such items, remember to do so only in moderation. You should also sip them through a straw so they have minimal contact with your teeth.
Stronger Dentures, More Options
The above information makes it clear that traditional dentures can put some significant limitations on your food choices. If you would like to be able to eat virtually anything, a different form of tooth replacement might be right for you. Ask your dentist if you are a candidate for implant dentures, which are incredibly strong; they function almost exactly like natural teeth!
Your dentures can help you enjoy an improved quality of life. Make wise food choices so both your prosthetic and your mouth can remain in good shape for years to come.
Meet the Practice
The talented dentists at Abington Family Dental Care are proud to offer a broad range of services for patients in our community, including traditional dentures, implant dentures, and more. If you have questions about tooth replacement and/or how to choose foods that are good for your smile, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our friendly team at 781-780-2658.