Dentures are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but certain foods can make them difficult to eat with or uncomfortable to wear. Plus, if you accidentally bite into something too hard, you could break your replacement teeth!
With the holidays coming up, you might be wondering what your denture diet should look like. Keep reading for some dentist approved advice!
Hazardous Holiday Foods
If you’d rather avoid spending Christmas money on repairing your dentures, there are simply certain foods you should watch out for. Here’s what could compromise your replacement teeth:
- Anything sticky enough to pull your dentures loose, like marshmallows, caramel, and taffy.
- Hard candies like toffee and candy canes could cause cracks, chips, or other breakage.
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables are refreshing, but could also harm your dentures.
- Beware tough meats like steak and pork that require a lot of tearing and pulling – you might find your teeth on your dinner plate!
Some of these mentions might leave you disappointed. It’s up to you whether potential denture damage is worth a bite or two, but keep in mind that these delights could shorten the lifespan of your dental prosthetic.
Treats that Are Still on The Menu
Fortunately, there are still plenty of holiday classics you can safely enjoy! Foods like these should be an easy match for your dentures:
- Soups or stews with softer additions like rice or small meat chunks
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Tender meats like turkey or chicken
- Cooked or steamed vegetables
- Pasta – as long as it’s not al dente!
Essentially, anything that would belong on a soft food diet is fair game. Just don’t go crazy with sugary options – too much sugar could still harm your oral health by irritating your gums.
Ask Your Dentist for More Tips
Keeping your dentures safe during the holidays can be a tough task. If you find yourself struggling, ask your dentist for more pointers. They can offer you personalized advice that reflects your preferences and unique oral situation.
If you’d simply like to have your dentures checked before the seasonal festivities kick off, then they can do that, too! Schedule an appointment with your friendly neighborhood dentist, and they’ll make sure your dentures are ready for some quality holiday dinners.
About the Author
Dr. Todd Balington earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. He particularly enjoys restorative dentistry, which aims to “restore” smiles with quality replacements like dentures. If your dentures are due for a touch-up, or you’d like more advice about handling the holidays with your restorative appliance, Dr. Balington would be happy to meet with you and provide outstanding service. To contact his office, call 940-383-3300.