If you are new to the world of dentures, you may be excited about having a full smile once again. Better yet, you get to bite into your favorite meals just a bit easier than before. However, before you dive into any and all foods, some can be tougher to chew through as you get used to the prosthetic. Here’s a handy list of items you should avoid while you adjust, and other options to reach for instead.
What Foods Should I Avoid with Dentures?
When you first wear dentures, they may feel awkward initially. They’ll start to feel normal and comfortable after a short while, but these foods can make this transition tougher:
- Hard items need a strong bite force to get through. Raw fruits and vegetables, like carrots or apples, may cause your restoration to move when digging into them or cause damage.
- Sticky sweets are more likely to pull your dentures out of place while also being hard to clean. Caramels and taffy are some culprits to avoid.
- Tough meats need to be worked on for a while, so you may increase any soreness you have or experience slippage.
- Seeds, nuts, and popcorn are hard, but these pose a bigger risk. They can get lodged beneath your prosthetic, irritating your gums.
What Are Denture-Friendly Options I Should Have?
While there are a lot of foods you should avoid, there are many more you can enjoy instead. There’s still a whole culinary world left to explore. By playing around with different spices and combinations, you can keep eating an exciting adventure. Here are some staples that you can have safely with dentures:
- Pasta and rice
- Ground meats and eggs
- Cooked legumes, such as refried beans
- Cottage cheese
- Soft sweets, like custard, pudding, and ice cream
How Can I Expand My Diet?
It’s normal for you to crave some of the foods you should avoid with dentures, especially if they are your favorites. Thankfully, if you prepare them beforehand, you may have an easier time eating them. Simply cut tough ones into bite-sized chunks, steam vegetables, and blend fruits into smoothies.
Over time, you can start to reintroduce certain items, but there may be a few you can’t enjoy easily. A great way you can expand your diet is with dental implants. By attaching your dentures to them, you enjoy a much more stable bite as this treatment uses your jawbone as a foundation. Not everyone is eligible to get them right away, so be sure to talk to your dentist for a consultation.
In the end, keep these foods in mind while you get used to your dentures. That way, you enjoy comfortable eating with a full smile you love.
About the Author
Dr. Dennis Ayer earned his dental degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. With 40 years of experience, he has since undergone over 3,500 hours of continuing education. This has given Dr. Ayer the confidence to help people in the Leawood community restore their missing teeth with reliable options like dentures and dental implants. If you want some more tips adjusting to your prosthetic, schedule an appointment or call his office at (913) 246-3000.