If you are new to the world of dentures, then you will need to adjust to having your full smile back. Your mouth will need to go through a short transition period to get used to this prosthetic, but afterward, you can show off a restored grin you love. During this time, some foods you eat can be trouble. To help make sure you avoid discomfort and damage, here are options to avoid and which ones you should fill your plate with instead.
Which Foods Should I Avoid with Dentures?
Your dentures are snug because they create a suction with your gums. This gives you a stronger bite compared to without them, but some items you eat can cause problems, such as:
- Sticky candies can get stuck in your teeth easily and pull at your restoration, making it come out. Cleaning them off can also be harder.
- Tough meats will need to be worked on for a bit before you can swallow them. Your mouth may become sore, or you might have some slippage.
- Popcorn, nuts, and seeds are popular snacks, but they can lead to damage. They can also lodge themselves underneath your prosthetic, which can irritate your gums.
- Hard foods in general are troublesome because they can cause movement, chips, or cracks. Certain raw vegetables and fruits can be an issue, like carrots or apples.
What Are Some Denture-Friendly Foods I Can Have?
When looking at all the options above, you might imagine the culinary world is limited, but there are still plenty of safer things you can have. Better yet, by experimenting with seasonings and flavors, you can keep eating an exciting time. These are just a few items you can have in your rotation:
- Ground meats
- Eggs
- Cooked legumes, such as refried beans
- Rice
- Pasta
- Cottage cheese
- Soft treats, like ice cream, pudding, and custard
Is There a Way to Expand My Diet with Dentures?
As you get used to your full smile with dentures, you may be able to start reintroducing slightly tougher foods, but it’s important you keep avoiding the ones mentioned above. They can still cause trouble, but you may be able to have them with some modifications. Simply cut tough options into bite-sized pieces, blend fruit into smoothies, or boil/steam vegetables to make them softer.
That said, you may wonder if there is a way you can expand your diet while also having an easier time eating. The good news is that there is! You can connect this restoration to dental implants, which are posts that are placed and fused to your jawbone. Once they are fully healed, you can get up to 90% of your original bite back! However, not everyone is a good candidate for them, so talk to your dentist to see if they are the right choice for you.
In the end, dentures are a great way to regain your full smile, but some foods can cause trouble. By avoiding certain ones and digging into friendlier options, you can feel confident knowing your grin is safe from damage.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Daaboul earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. With over two decades of experience, he is happy to help the Grapevine community replace their missing teeth with reliable options like dentures, dental implants, or both. Using high-quality materials, you can trust that you get results that feel comfortable and look natural. If you want more tips on life with this prosthetic, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Daaboul’s office at (817) 646-7306.