Adjusting to life with dentures brings new opportunities and a few challenges, especially when it comes to mealtime. You may find that some foods feel different or present extra difficulties compared to eating with natural teeth. Choosing the right foods can help you feel more comfortable, support your oral health, and keep your dentures in great condition. This guide will help you navigate which foods to limit or avoid, which options are better for you, and how implant dentures can open up even more possibilities.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Your dentures allow you to enjoy a wide range of tasty and nourishing meals, but they are not as strong or stable as natural teeth. This means some foods can create problems, either by damaging your dentures, causing discomfort, or leading to oral health issues. The following categories tend to be the most troublesome for denture wearers:

Sticky and Chewy Foods

Foods such as caramel, chewing gum, dried fruits, tough meats, and certain candies can stick to your dentures or get trapped underneath them. When foods stick, they may dislodge your dentures and create irritation. These foods also tend to be difficult to clean away completely.

Hard Foods

You may want to avoid foods like hard nuts, popcorn kernels, hard candies, and uncooked vegetables. Biting into these foods can put excessive pressure on your dentures, which can result in your prosthetic shifting, cracking, or breaking.

Foods with Small Parts

Items that contain seeds, nuts, or other small, hard bits — like seeded bread or some snack bars — can slip beneath your dentures. These small pieces can cause gum irritation and are often difficult to remove. If left stuck, they may lead to sore spots or even infections.

Crunchy Foods

Chips, crackers, and some raw fruits or vegetables can create uneven pressure on your dentures. This may cause them to become unstable or uncomfortable while you eat. Instead, you might want to choose softer snacks or cook raw foods until they are easier to chew.

Very Hot Foods and Beverages

Very hot foods and drinks, such as piping-hot soup or tea, can burn your mouth. Because dentures can insulate your gums, you may not notice the temperature until it is too late. Excessive heat might also warp the material of your dentures, causing them to fit poorly. Let food and drinks cool down a bit before you eat or drink them.

Better Food Choices for Denture Wearers

A denture-friendly diet includes foods that are soft, moist, and easy to chew. You have many delicious choices, such as cooked vegetables, tender meats, boneless fish, scrambled or poached eggs, pasta, rice, and dairy products like yogurt or cottage cheese. Smoothies and soups provide even more variety and convenience. These foods are gentle on your dentures and supply important nutrients.

Implant Dentures: Greater Chewing Power and Variety

If you wish to expand your food choices even further, you may want to ask your dentist about implant dentures. These dentures attach securely to the jawbone using artificial tooth roots. Implant dentures are much stronger than traditional ones and allow you to consume almost any food you like without the need for any special eating techniques.

Making the switch to dentures does not mean giving up the flavors and meals you love. By being careful with your food choices and experimenting with preparation methods, you can maintain a satisfying and healthy diet!

Meet the Practice

At Abington Family Dental Care, our team is proud to provide top-quality care for our community. Traditional dentures, denture maintenance, and implant dentures are among the many services available in our office. If you would like our guidance on how to get the most out of your prosthetic teeth, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our office at 781-780-2658.