Dentures – What Can I Eat?

Dentures allow you to smile, eat and talk again. But as great as that can be, it is sometimes easy to forget they are not your natural teeth.  They can never be expected to function exactly as your organic teeth did. To avoid damage to them you will have to be careful about what you eat and how you take care of them.  Here are some tips that can make wearing dentures a success and keep your dentures in good condition:

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  • Foods to Be Careful with – You must try to avoid or be careful in eating the following:
    • Acidic Foods – Foods like fruits and citrus juices are acidic and can damage the surface of teeth and dentures.  Always rinse after consuming acidic foods and drinks.
    • Sugary foods – Overly sweet and sticky foods can make your dentures shift in your mouth
    • Dehydrating Foods – Liquor, tea, coffee and such should be avoided because they tend to dehydrate you, which is damaging to the acrylic your dentures are made out of.
  • Foods to Absolutely Avoid – These foods can not only damage your dentures but can also lead to discomfort or pain:
    • Nuts & Seeds – Foods that your natural teeth cannot chew and grind should be avoided with dentures.  These not only physically damage your dentures but can get stuck in and around them. Fruit with seeds, such as guava, should be avoided.
    • Hard-to-Chew Foods – Underdone or tough meats require lots of bites to tenderize them and causes stress on gums and dentures. Popcorn and dry fruit also fit into this category.
    • Hard candy –  Eating these can cause uneven pressure on your jaw and dentures and cause breakage.  Follow this link for more tips on eating with dentures.

Dentures require extra care, but being cautious about this will keep them looking and fitting great for a long time. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Even healthy and recommended food can leave your dentures exposed to food particles.  Remove and rinse them after each time you eat.
  • Dentures are generally made of acrylic and although strong, tend to be brittle. If dropped accidently, they could crack or even break. Should this happen, they can not be repaired or used again. Be careful when  you handle them or do so over a towel.
  • Follow a consistent routine of cleaning your mouth each time you take out your dentures. Food particles and substances left in your mouth stays under the denture and will lead to infection.
  • Brush your dentures at least once a day to keep them clean.
  • Keep your dentures soaking in a recommended solution or clean water when you take them out at night.  They will dry up and warp out of shape which will make them no longer fit snugly.
  • Don’t forget to rinse your dentures every time before you put them in your mouth, especially if they have been in a soaking solution overnight.

Do you feel that full or partial dentures are a good solution for bringing back your beautiful smile, or want to discuss other options, visit our OC dental office in Fullerton, CA.  Dr. Aarti Puri, DDS and our caring staff will provide you with the best possible experience and a great looking smile. We are located in Orange County, California, just minutes from Anaheim.  Call us and set up an appointment today.

           

Published on December 26, 2018, Updated on April 10, 2020