Holiday Eating with Dentures: 4 Foods That Can Damage Your Smile

You may be excited about holiday events you have coming up. You’ll get to see your loved ones and chat with them around a delicious meal. It’s a nice time to catch up with everything, but you should keep in mind that some foods that are on the table aren’t entirely denture-friendly. Your full smile with them might be in trouble if you indulge in them, so here are four options you should avoid.

1.)  Crunchy and Hard Foods

As a snack before the main course, there may be some nuts and popcorn lying around. You may want to grab a handful to subdue a bit of your hunger, but steer clear of them! They need a strong bite force to chew, which can damage your dentures if you aren’t careful. Not only that, but they can even get lodged underneath them, causing gum irritation.

Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery, may entice you, but keep these off your plate as well. Similar to the two choices above, they can lead to chips and cracks since they are harder to bite into. You can blend these into smoothies or cut them into small pieces, but alternatives you can try are seedless grapes, berries, and hummus!

2.)  Sticky and Chewy Candies

Since it’s the holidays, you may find yourself wanting a sweet treat. You deserve one after all for working hard all year, but be sure to pick the right ones. Taffy, caramel, and marshmallows can easily get stuck in your smile. They can pull your restoration out of place, so reach for softer options like chocolate, peanut butter cups, or sugar-free gum.

3.)  Tough Meats

When the main course is ready, your loved ones likely have a meat staple that you all enjoy for the season, such as pork, poultry, or beef. They can be tasty, but certain cuts of them are tougher than others. You’ll need to chew them for longer, which can lead to you feeling sore or causing slipping. Instead, take time to prepare them into small pieces or reach for more tender meats.

4.)  Carbonated Beverages

To wash all the food above down, you may reach for your favorite soda or carbonated drink. While the sugar that’s often in them is bad, so is the carbon dioxide! Your mouth turns it into an acid that can increase your risk of oral health issues. Not only that, but the bubbly feeling also causes your dentures to slip and move. Stick to plain water or herbal teas like chamomile or ginger!

About the Author

Dr. Shandy Condie earned her dental degree from the Creighton School of Dentistry. She now has over 20 years of experience that she uses to give the Gilbert community the high-quality care they deserve. Dr. Condie is here to help you get the full smile you love with dentures. By ensuring each one is custom-made, you can trust your results look natural and help you feel more confident. If you want to know how you can get the full lifespan of your prosthetic, schedule an appointment or call her office at (623) 283-2088.