Your dentist can provide a lifelike set of full or partial dentures to rebuild your arches regardless of how many teeth went missing. These resilient restorations make it easier to eat, speak, and smile confidently, but you must take proper precautions to avoid harming them.
For instance, your new teeth are designed to withstand daily biting and chewing, but you must choose meals carefully so they won’t be damaged or dislodged. Continue reading to learn more about 3 popular foods to avoid eating with dentures, especially when they’re new!
Food #1: Popcorn
Most people are unfortunately familiar with the sensation of having popcorn seeds slide beneath their gumline, which can be incredibly irritating until they’re removed. But this salty snack can be even more frustrating for those with dentures because they can slide in the space between your restoration and your connective tissues, where they can cause discomfort or result in blisters or sores that might then become infected.
Not only that, but if you accidentally crunch down on a raw popcorn kernel, you might chip your artificial teeth or gouge the acrylic foundation. Thankfully, this can be prevented by choosing a safer alternative, such as vegetable-based chips, that are easier to chew and less likely to cause problems.
Food #2: Chewy Steak
It often takes about a month for patients to adjust to wearing their dentures because it can take your tongue and the soft tissues in your mouth time to acclimate to their presence. Routine tasks, such as biting and chewing, might cause additional aches during this transitional period.
Unfortunately, steak and other tough meats often involve lots of extra chomping that can irritate your already-tender gums. You might also accidentally chew more with one side of your mouth than the other, which can destabilize or dislodge your restoration, which might be chipped, cracked, or broken when it falls out. You may want to stick to softer proteins, like eggs, chicken, or fish, or cut your meat into smaller pieces that are easier to manage.
Food #3: Raw Fruits & Vegetables
Fruits and veggies are rich in nutrients that support oral and overall health, but they’re often hard and crunchy, which can be challenging with new dentures. If you want to enjoy the health benefits of these ingredients, try boiling, grilling, or blending them into smoothies so you can eat them safely with less biting and chewing.
Your new dentures can improve your chewing power so you can enjoy a variety of healthy meals. However, many dentists recommend sticking to softer foods and/or smaller pieces until your mouth fully adjusts to help prevent damage and discomfort when they’re new.
About the Practice
At Premier Family Dental, you and your loved ones benefit from two compassionate dentists with over 30+ years of combined experience. Dr. Cofer and Dr. McNutt collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including dentures, using advanced technology to deliver more accurate, comfortable, and long-lasting outcomes to people of all ages. If you need to replace missing teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (254) 732-0309.