Your brand-new dentures are an important investment in your oral and overall health, and one that you’ll need to protect to make the most of. Thus, to ensure that your restorations last as long as possible, you’ll need to be careful with what you eat. Here are five foods that may be potentially problematic to your prosthetics and should be avoided whenever possible.
Dark Beverages
While your durable new dentures are designed to look and feel just like real teeth, unlike your natural smile, if they get stained, they may be stuck that way. Thus, be sure to limit your consumption of any beverages that contain dark tannins like red wine, coffee, tea, and cola to deter discoloration, and brush and floss your restorations after each meal throughout the day. To mitigate staining between brushings, drink plenty of water to help keep residue from your diet from settling in your smile!
Popcorn
Because popcorn often contains annoying hulls and hard, hazardous, un-popped kernels, it can be disastrous for dentures. Even more frustrating, those sharp, un-chewable pieces can even get stuck underneath your restorations, causing painful gum irritation. Thus, be sure to avoid this movie-theater staple and opt for something gentler to your grin instead!
Nuts & Seeds
While whole nuts and seeds are an important addition to any diet, when you wear dentures, they can increase your risk of damaging their teeth. Thus, to continue enjoying these protein powerhouses while rocking restorations, either opt for a nut or seed butter, or chew softer varieties with both sides of your mouth to help disperse the pressure.
Steak
Tough proteins like steak can be difficult to break down when chewing with dentures and could potentially damage them or cause them to slip out of place during use. This not only increases your risk of choking, but it can also up your odds of painful indigestion and make it harder for you to absorb nutrients. Thus, if you do choose to enjoy tougher types of meat, look for more tender cuts like filet mignon, slice your food into smaller pieces, and chew slowly and cautiously.
Gummy, Chewy, or Sticky Candies
Although an occasional piece of candy won’t harm your waistline or your smile, certain sweets are all around bad for dentures. These include anything too sticky or chewy, such as gummies, taffy, caramels, toffee, brittles and hard candies. That’s because in addition to increasing your risk of damaging your restorations, these treats are also extremely difficult to clean off them, making your false teeth look and feel dirty and increasing your risk of foul breath and bacterial infections.
Remember, while your new dentures were designed to allow you to eat a healthy diet full of the foods you love, there are some menu options that it’s best to avoid when wearing them. Thankfully, there are still plenty of delicious, nutritious sweet and savory snacks to keep you smiling when rocking your new restorations. For more information about how to care for your stunning smile with these revolutionary restorations, talk to your dentist today.
About Dr. Patel
Dr. Hiren Patel earned his initial degree from the Government Dental College & Hospital in Ahmedabad, India and his dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in 2011. Since graduating, he has attended more than 500 hours of continuing education classes. He is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and the Texas Dental Association. To schedule an appointment at HIC Dental – Implant & Family Dentistry, visit our website or call us today at 210-590-2736.