If you’ve experienced extensive tooth loss, dentures are a great way to restore the appearance and function of your smile. This way, you can achieve the confidence to chew your food, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. However, when you first get your new dentures, it will take you some time to adjust to them, and some foods are more difficult to chew than others. Here are five foods that you may want to avoid when you get your new smile.
Steak
Steak is a favorite food of many. However, it can be a challenge to eat with dentures. Because steak requires so much chewing, combining them with new dentures can result in gum pain. You could even dislodge your denture completely. This is a food that you may want to avoid as you adjust to your dentures. When you are ready, cut your steak into small, bitesize pieces to make it easier to chew.
Sticky Candy
Do you love sugary snacks and candies? Caramel, toffee, peanut brittle, and gummies can all be a delicious treat. However, when you wear dentures, they have the tendency to stick. It is very hard to remove these items from dentures, so it is best to avoid them. Fortunately, you don’t need to give up on sweets entirely. Opt for denture friendly treats, like soft chocolates, ice cream, fruit smoothies, and puddings.
Dark-Colored Drinks
Just like natural teeth, dentures are prone to staining. These stains will come faster and more prominent if you indulge in dark-colored foods and beverages. Some of the most common culprits include red wine, black tea, and coffee. Caffeine is also a diuretic, so it can cause dehydration and dry mouth, creating additional issues with your dentures and gums.
Nuts
Nuts have all sorts of health benefits and are a great snack to enjoy throughout the day. However, if you are new to dentures, it may be a good idea to avoid them for the first few months. When you wear dentures, it’s important that you use both sides of your mouth while chewing. This prevents the dentures from popping off. Since nuts are a hard snack and we eat them on the backside of the mouth, they can be very difficult to chew as you are adjusting.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a popular snack, but it can be challenging to eat when you have dentures. If a kernel becomes stuck underneath your dentures, it can cause significant irritation. As you adjust to your dentures, popcorn probably shouldn’t be your go-to snack.
Dentures are a lifechanging tooth replacement option, but they take some time to get used to. Be especially careful about the foods listed above. This way, you can adjust to your new smile quickly, and comfortably.
About the Practice
At Transforming Smiles, Dr. Shariq Zafrani and Dr. Bruce E. Carter work together to treat patients in the Lawrenceville community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about dentures, or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (770) 995-7616.