Dentures are a convenient removable teeth replacement solution. They are typically designed to fit snugly over the patient’s gums. However, it can still be a challenge to get used to eating with dentures. Sometimes, patients have to adjust their diet slightly when using this teeth replacement solution. Our cosmetic dentists recommend a list of foods to avoid with dentures.
Foods to Avoid With Dentures
Why Do You Need to Adjust Your Diet When Wearing Dentures
Dentures are descended to replace your natural teeth and to serve you in their stead, not only for good looks but also for the purposes of eating normally. Usually, dentures feel and function very similarly to your own teeth. However, due to some specifications, dentures still put certain limitations on what you can eat when wearing them. These specifications are mostly related to the material the dentures are made of and the way they are attached to your gums.
Material-wise, there are two types of dentures: full and partial dentures. Full ones are usually made from acrylic, while partial dentures are made from acrylic and metal together. Unfortunately, full acrylic dentures are not as strong as partial dentures when it comes to chewing harder foods.
If your dentures are the ones that clip onto dental implants, you do not have to worry about changing your diet too much. Such dentures are reliably stable. Other types of dentures use suction to attach in your mouth or are attached to other teeth by special clips. These types may be dislocated if you eat sticky foods or get damaged by hard foods. On top of that, there are other issues that can be caused by certain types of foods and beverages.
Foods and Beverages to Avoid When Wearing Dentures
Dentures are great because they allow patients to eat full, nutritious meals, much like their natural teeth would. However, to avoid such problems as damages, dislodging, or staining, follow our guide below.
Hard Foods
The main problem with eating hard foods is the risk of damaging your dentures. Additionally, there is a possibility of damaging the natural neighboring teeth as well. Another problem that can be caused by hard foods is dislodging, which can be painful. Dislodging can happen if, for example, you bite hard on something like an apple. Such motion provided for an uneven distribution of force; hence, the dentures could be moved from their place suddenly.
Hard foods you should avoid include:
- Apples and other hard fruits
- Nuts
- Raw carrots
- Popcorn and hard crackers
- Corn on the cob
- Foods with seeds (fruits and bread, etc.)
- Meat with bones
For the same reasons, you should also avoid using your teeth as tools or biting on the nails.
Sticky Foods
As mentioned earlier, sticky foods can cause the dislodging of dentures because they stick to the teeth and can pull them down. Some of such foods are:
- Caramel, toffee and other sticky candies
- Peanut butter
- Marshmallows
- Dried fruit
Another problem with sticky foods is that they are harder to clean off your dentures. If some particles of food are left on the dentures and come into constant contact with your gums, it can cause irritation and gum disease.
Tough Meats
Tough meats are harder to chew, which puts more pressure on the dentures and, as a result—on the gums underneath them. The pressure can cause sores on the gums. Sores make wearing dentures uncomfortable and can lead to gum inflammation and gum disease. The best option is to prepare your meat to be soft and easy to chew.
Foods and Beverages That Can Stain Your Dentures
To preserve the initial color of your dentures for as long as possible, try to avoid colored foods and beverages that can stain them. They include:
- Coffee and tea
- Sodas
- Juices
- Red wine
- Berries
- Colored candies
Smoking tobacco can also easily stain your dentures, just as any natural teeth.
Denture-safe Foods
Normally, your diet can stay pretty much the same. However, the best rule is to choose foods that do not make you chew hard or bite down on them. There are plenty of good options and substitutes for foods that you should avoid. Some examples of dentures-safe foods include:
- Minced meat, cutlets, sausages
- Fruit and vegetable smoothies (just remember to avoid those that can stain your dentures)
- Ripe and soft fruit, for example, bananas
- Cooked vegetables (steamed, fried, or boiled)
- Whole grain bread without seeds
- Soups and purees
- Pasta
- Hummus, yogurts, and other spreads
- Soft chocolate
- Cereal and cooked grains (buckwheat, rice, etc.)
Of course, there are many more options for denture-safe foods. You are not likely to experience any problems if you follow our guide and avoid hard, sticky, and dyed foods. If you have any questions about your dentures or are considering getting dentures for the first time, sign up for an appointment with one of our cosmetic dentists at Tropic Dental Care and get an in-depth consultation.
