Adjusting to life with dentures means rediscovering the joy of eating. While modern dentures allow you to enjoy a wide variety of foods, there are certain foods that can make eating challenging or even damage your dentures. At Christina Brinda in North Canton, we want to help you navigate your diet.  As a dentist who specializes in dentures, Dr. Christina Brinda via this blog, offers tips on foods to cautiously eat, especially when you’re new to wearing dentures.

Foods to Avoid or Eat with Caution

Very Sticky Foods

Why to avoid

Caramel, taffy, gummy candies or even some sticky breads can easily adhere to your dentures. These foods will cause them to dislodge or lift. This can be embarrassing if it were to happen in public or around your friends and disrupt your meal.

Alternatives

Opt for smoother desserts like yogurt or even ice cream.

Hard Foods

Why to avoid

Nuts, popcorn kernels, hard candies, or ice can exert too much pressure on your dentures.  This pressure can lead to cracks, chips and may lead all the way to breakage. Popcorn kernels can also get trapped under your dentures, causing painful irritation.

Alternatives

Choose softer snacks like cheese, bananas, cooked vegetables.

Tough Meats

Why to avoid

While you can enjoy meat, very tough cuts of steak, jerky can be difficult to chew effectively with dentures. They require a lot of force, which can dislodge your dentures and strain your jaw.

Alternatives

Opt for tender cuts of fish, poultry, ground meats, slow-cooked meats that are easier to chew. Cut all meats into small, bite-sized pieces.

Crunchy or Raw Vegetables and Fruits

Why to avoid

Biting directly into a whole apples or carrot, even corn on the cob can cause your dentures to lift or break. The force required can also put uneven pressure on your gums.

Alternatives

Cut raw fruits and vegetables into small pieces. Steam or cook vegetables to soften them.

Small Seeds and Grains

Why to avoid

Tiny seeds (i.e. sesame, poppy, chia seeds) and small grains can easily get trapped under your dentures.  These tiny seeds can cause irritation and discomfort.

Alternatives

Be mindful of foods with tiny particles. If you do eat them, be prepared to clean your dentures thoroughly afterward.

 

Dentist Near Greentown Ohio

Tips for Enjoying Your Meals with Dentures

  • The golden rule for most foods is to cut food into small pieces.
  • Chew slowly and evenly. This will distribute chewing pressure on both sides of your mouth to keep your dentures stable.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking water during meals.  Hydration can also help wash away food particles.
  • Maintain a good fit by regularly check with your dentist who specialize in dentures to ensure your dentures fit well. A loose denture will make eating much harder.

At Christina Brinda DDS, we are a dentist for dentures near North Canton.  We are dedicated to helping you enjoy all aspects of life with your new smile, including your favorite foods.  We’re here to help you eat comfortably and confidently!

📞 Call our North Canton office today at (330) 498-0668 to schedule an appointment.