If you have experienced extensive tooth loss, dentures are an ideal way to restore the appearance and function of your smile. This way, you can achieve the confidence to chew your food, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. However, when you first get your new dentures, it will take you some time to adjust to them, and some foods are more challenging to chew than others. Here are five foods that you may want to avoid with your new pearly whites.
Steak
Having a steak for dinner is a real treat! However, it can be difficult to eat with dentures. Since steak requires so much chewing, combining them with new dentures can result in gum pain. You could even dislodge your denture completely. This is a food that you may want to avoid as you adjust to your dentures. When you are ready, cut your steak into small, bitesize pieces to make it easier to chew.
Sticky Candy
Do you love sugary snacks and candies? Caramel, toffee, peanut brittle, and gummies can all be a delicious treat. However, when you wear dentures, they have the tendency to stick. It is very hard to remove these items from dentures, so it is best to avoid them. The good news is that you don’t need to give up on sweets entirely. Choose denture friendly treats, like soft chocolates, ice cream, fruit smoothies, and puddings.
Dark-Colored Drinks
Just like natural teeth, dentures are prone to staining. These stains will come faster and more prominent if you indulge in dark-colored foods and beverages. Some of the most common culprits include red wine, black tea, and coffee. Caffeine is also a diuretic, so to can cause dehydration and dry mouth, creating further issues with your dentures and gums.
Nuts
Nuts have a wide range of health benefits and are a great snack to enjoy throughout the day. However, if you are new to dentures, it might be a good idea to avoid them at first. When you wear dentures, it is important that you sue both sides of your mouth when you chew. This prevents the dentures from coming out. Because nuts are a hard snack and we eat them on the backside of the mouth, they can be very difficult to chew as you are adjusting.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a popular snack, but it can be challenging to eat when you have dentures. If a kernel becomes stuck beneath your dentures, it can cause significant irritation. As you adjust to your dentures, popcorn shouldn’t be your go-to snack.
Dentures are a lifechanging tooth replacement option, but they take some time to get used to. Be especially careful about the foods listed above. This way, you can adjust to your new smile quickly and comfortably.
About the Author
Dr. Shahram Modarres has been working in the field for more than two decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the New York University School of Dentistry. Since then, he has been committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Maryland State Dental association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, and other professional organizations. To learn more about dentures or to schedule an appointment at his office in Rockville, visit his website or call (301) 816-9400.