Denture Dilemma: 3 Foods to Avoid

Dentures remain a popular way to replace some or all of your missing teeth because they restore your smile’s appearance and functionality so you can look and feel like the best version of yourself. With them in place, you can enunciate various sounds to communicate more clearly and grind your meals thoroughly.

However, your restoration is not invincible, and certain foods can harm it. Continue reading to learn about 3 options to avoid while wearing dentures!

Food #1: Steak

If you’re looking forward to backyard barbecues this spring, you’re not alone. Nearly 62% of people grill at least once each week during the spring months, and steak is frequently on the menu. Although you might feel tempted to sink your teeth into a barbecued morsel, remember that many chewy meats require excessive chewing to pulverize them enough to be easily swallowed and digested.

Unfortunately, the acrylic foundation of your dentures can rub painfully against your gums with the extra effort, or you might accidentally dislodge them. You can prevent this by cutting your food into smaller portions that reduce the risk of damaging your prosthetics. Also, try chewing evenly with both sides of your mouth to exert even pressure on its surfaces to avoid pushing it out of place.

Food #2: Raw Fruits & Veggies

Did you know that some patients who have suffered tooth loss develop malnutrition from eating softer, less nutritious foods? Your body doesn’t self-produce all the vitamins and minerals it needs to function at its peak, so you must consume them through your diet. Fruits and vegetables are essential components of any wholesome diet, but they are hard to chomp into without two complete arches full of teeth. Plus, they’re known for pushing restorations out of place, which can lead to embarrassing moments during meals.

Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you can’t consume healthy ingredients; you’ll just have to cook or blend them first. Whether you prefer blended fruit smoothies, vegetable soup, or mashed potatoes, you can protect your new teeth while giving your body what it needs.

Food #3: Popcorn

This snack can be found everywhere, from movie theaters to outdoor festivals to your living room, making it an incredibly popular treat with people of all ages. However, the thin kernels from the seeds are notorious for sliding into the space between your dentures and your gums. Not only can this be incredibly irritating, but it can also rub sore spots in your gums that can become infected if they’re left unaddressed. Avoiding this family favorite when your dentures are new is best to prevent potential periodontal problems.

If you’re concerned that you’ve developed gum disease or injured your dentures from eating problematic foods, schedule an appointment with your dentist so they can help repair the damage!

Meet the Author

Dr. Saeed Rouhani has 20+ years of experience helping families near Dallas build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Baylor College of Dentistry, and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. He enjoys establishing lasting relationships with patients so he can tailor treatment plans to meet their unique needs. He combines a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art equipment to provide everything from preventive care to lifelike replacement teeth intended to last, like dentures. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (972) 733-0999.