Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for tooth loss because they’re such a versatile treatment. Regardless of how many natural teeth you have remaining, your dentist can provide a lifelike prosthetic to restore your grin’s appearance and functionality.
These prosthetics restore a portion of your original bite force, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of wholesome ingredients that support your dental and overall health. However, if you’re not careful about what you eat, you could harm your new teeth. Continue reading to learn about 3 foods to avoid with dentures!
Option #1: Seedy Snacks
Your dentures rely on a tight bond against your connective tissues to remain in place all day. Hard foods like nuts, seeds, and popcorn are notorious for getting stuck in the space between the base of your dentures and your gums. Trapped kernels or shells can attract harmful bacteria that contribute to common oral issues, like periodontal problems or tooth decay. Not only that, but they can rub raw spots in your tissues that can become infected by bacteria in your mouth.
You can opt for pitted olives or berries if you’re looking for a small and salty snack. These are softer, making them easier to chew with your prosthetics, and they contain no irritating seeds that can cause problems.
Option #2: Raw Fruits and Veggies
Eating a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables is essential to giving your body all the nutrients it needs to function at its peak. Unfortunately, they can be hard to bite into and chew with dentures when they’re raw. Biting into a crunchy carrot or a crisp apple could potentially push or pull your restoration out of place, for example.
Thankfully, you can safeguard your smile by substituting raw fruits and vegetables with cooked, mashed, or pureed versions that are easier to consume. For instance, you can blend a fresh fruit smoothie bursting with vitamins and minerals that’s unlikely to impact your dentures when you drink it.
Option #3: Dark Drinks
Dentures remain a popular solution for tooth loss because they can restore your grin’s functionality and appearance simultaneously. With them in place, you’ll look and feel like the best version of yourself. Your boosted confidence contributes to better professional opportunities, deeper relationships, and a busier social life.
If you consume copious amounts of dark drinks, such as coffee, tea, or wine, your smile can become discolored. Pigmented particles can cling to plaque on your dentures, staining the teeth a deeper hue. Because they can’t be whitened like your natural teeth, avoiding common culprits known to stain is the best way to keep them looking bright and clean.
Avoiding foods that can hurt your dentures is an easy and effective way to preserve your recently restored grin!
Meet the Author
Dr. Ray Voller has 40+ years of experience helping families build and maintain their happiest, healthiest smiles. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and has continued his education with ongoing opportunities at the Pankey Institute. Today, he’s a trusted member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Dental Association, so you can trust that you’re in good hands. He combines a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver beautiful, lifelike restorations intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (724) 543-4948.