If you’ve been missing teeth for a while, you may have become accustomed to giving up many of the foods you used to love. But the good news is that with your new dentures, you can once again eat many of those delicious treats you’ve been missing out on. Unfortunately, however, while your diet may have just been given the green light to expand, there are still some foods you shouldn’t eat with them. So, before you sit down for that celebratory meal, take a closer look at what you should and should not eat with dentures!
Foods to Avoid
Though there are many foods you can enjoy with your new dentures, there are a few types that you should avoid, especially at first:
- Popcorn: though it can be eaten eventually, it is recommended that you pass on the popcorn when you are still getting used to your dentures, as it can be easy for kernels and hulls to get stuck underneath, causing irritation.
- Nuts: these little powerhouses are great for your body, but they can also be very bad for people getting adjusted to chewing with dentures. New wearers need to learn how to chew with both sides of their mouths before attempting to chew smaller items like nuts. Thus, until you have mastered this skill, avoid them.
- Dark Fluids: Coffee, red wine, cola, and brightly dyed sports drinks can stain natural teeth, and they can stain dentures too. To keep yours looking white and bright, avoid these liquids while wearing them.
- Sticky Candies: Looking for a sugar rush? Try to avoid getting it from anything too sticky or chewy, as these can be very difficult to remove from your dentures. Be sure to say no to toffees, brittles, gummies, caramels, and taffy.
Foods to Enjoy
Now that you know what you shouldn’t eat, there’s great news! There are still plenty of foods you absolutely can still enjoy with your dentures. Here are some of the best options:
- Dairy Products: yogurt, milk, ice cream, and cheese are a great way to get calcium. They’re also soft enough to be denture safe.
- Meat: Any kind of meat is safe to consume with your new teeth, however you may want to avoid certain preparations such as stewing as they tend to be a bit tougher to chew.
- Fruits and Vegetables: These healthy snacks and sides are always an excellent choice; however, it may be a little difficult to chew fresh crunchy varieties. If you’re craving them raw, be sure to cut them into small pieces first, or stick to softer choices like berries or bananas. For vegetables, steaming or roasting them will help soften them but keep much of their nutrients and flavor intact.
- Carbohydrates: While all carbs should be eaten in moderation, foods like rice, soft breads, and even pastries are safe to eat with your new teeth.
Thankfully, your new dentures can chew many of the foods you’ve grown to love, however you still must be wary of damaging them with certain items. While this new way of eating may take some time to adjust to, being cautious with your diet can help make them last longer while still allowing you to consume a variety of healthy fare.
About Dr. Whitaker
Dr. Katherine Whitaker strives to provide customized care to each patient that walks into her practice. She is passionate about helping people and believes in treating every person like an individual and not just a number.
Dr. Whitaker is a member of the American Dental Association, Kentucky Dental Association, and Southeastern Dental Society.
To schedule an appointment for dentures at Corbin Family Dental Care, please visit our website or call us today at 606-523-1415.