If you’re seeking a way to restore your smile after tooth loss, dentures are an excellent choice. They are a versatile solution that’s capable of replacing a few or all of your missing teeth. Once in place, they grant you the freedom to grin, speak, and eat more like you used to, potentially enhancing your daily quality of life.
However, some foods can be harmful to your restoration. Continue reading to learn about 4 foods to avoid so you can keep your prosthetics in tip-top shape!
Food #1: Steak
Although steak can be juicy and delicious, it can be bad for your dentures. Many cuts are tough and chewy, requiring a lot of extra work to sufficiently mash-up in your mouth. All the extra work can leave you with sore spots on your gums or even dislodge your artificial teeth. Plus, if you have a hard time pulverizing it sufficiently, then you might swallow overly large pieces, which can cause gastrointestinal issues.
You don’t have to give up steak entirely, however. It’s possible to still enjoy it if you cut it into smaller pieces that are easier to break apart in your mouth.
Food #2: Popcorn
This salty snack is a favorite at movie theaters, outdoor festivals, and at home when you’re enjoying the latest blockbuster. Unfortunately, it’s notorious for leaving its thin kernels stuck between your teeth or underneath your gumline. If one slides underneath your dentures, it can cause severe irritation until you’re able to remove them and take care of the culprit.
Furthermore, popcorn usually contains plenty of hard seeds that don’t pop, which can get stuck beneath your prosthetics and dislodge them.
Food #3: Candy
Sticky candies like gummies, toffee, or caramel can be tantalizing until you realize the damage they can cause. They’re typically full of sugar, which attracts harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease. Plus, they’re prone to getting stuck to your dentures and pulling them out of place. Plus, it’s hard to clean the ingredients off your artificial teeth after the fact.
You might think you’d be better off with hard candies like Jolly Ranchers or bonbons, but that’s not necessarily the case. These can chip or crack your restoration, which can impair its functionality and appearance.
Food #4: Dark Beverages
Dentures can boost your confidence by giving you back a beautiful smile, so you don’t have to feel as self-conscious about your grin. Unfortunately, though, popular drinks like coffee, tea, dark sodas, and red wine all contain tannins that can stain them. You wouldn’t want to invest time and resources into prosthetics just to consume ingredients that leave them looking worse for wear! While it’s usually okay to enjoy these options in moderation, it’s a good idea to follow up your favorite drink with a tall glass of water to rinse away any unwanted particles.
By making a few adjustments to your eating habits, you can keep your dentures in excellent condition so you can continue to make the most of them!
About the Practice
At United Dental Centers of Merrillville, you and your family benefit from a father/son dental duo that offers a wide array of services under one roof. With decades of combined experience, they can handle everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures. They welcome patients of all ages in a safe and comfortable environment that is sure to help you feel at ease. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort while increasing the accuracy of treatment results. If you’re considering dentures and would like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (219) 980-4900.