Do you have dentures? Your prosthetic can provide you with many benefits, including the ability to eat a wide variety of foods. However, since your replacement teeth do not have the same chewing power as the natural ones that you lost, you should avoid or limit certain foods. This guide is here to help you steer clear of items that could harm your dentures or your oral tissues.
Sticky Foods
If you have a sweet tooth, you might naturally gravitate toward sticky candies, such as taffy and caramels. Unfortunately, those treats can cling to your dentures, and they are not always easy to remove! It is also important to remember that your prosthetic teeth stay in place with the help of a mild adhesive or natural suction. Sticky foods might pull them right out of place!
Something similar could be said about chewing gum, although there are a few varieties that are safe for denture wearers.
Food with Small, Hard Parts
Foods like popcorn, nuts, and seeds have small, hard parts that could sneak beneath your dentures and irritate your gums. It is best to avoid them and opt for other nutritious snacks instead, such as pitted olives or certain types of berries.
Raw Vegetables
Raw vegetables can provide you with many essential nutrients. Sadly, they can also be quite hard and challenging to eat for people with dentures, particularly if you are new to your prosthetic. It is generally best to cook your vegetables so you can easily consume them.
Some types of fruit, such as apples, may also be difficult to eat. You can cook them or wait until you are more comfortable with your dentures before you start enjoying them again.
Tough and Chewy Meats
Chewy and tough cuts of meat can be tiring to eat if you have dentures. Try to favor softer options, including fish, poultry, and slow-cooked meats. If you do opt for something that is on the tougher side, be sure to cut it into small pieces before you put it in your mouth.
Highly Pigmented Beverages
Tea, coffee, and fruit juice are all tasty; some varieties even come with health benefits. Unfortunately, they contain pigments that could discolor your prosthetic teeth. Try to limit your intake of such items. You could also consume them through a straw so they have minimal contact with your denture.
What if You Want More Food Freedom?
Dentures are wonderful, but they do come with some dietary restrictions. If you would like to be able to eat virtually anything, talk to your dentist about implant dentures. They are anchored in the jawbone, so they can stand up to practically any food, including tough and hard items.
Traditional dentures require you to adjust your eating habits. The above guidance can help you to keep your prosthetic teeth in good shape.
Meet the Practice
Drs. McVety and Kieffer are proud to provide Falmouth with a broad range of dental services, including traditional dentures, implant dentures, and denture maintenance. If you have questions about tooth replacement or how to care for prosthetic teeth, our team would be happy to speak with you. Get in touch with our office at 207-517-7008.