Dentures are a wonderful way to restore your smile, your confidence, and your ability to enjoy eating again. However, they don’t provide the same chewing strength as natural teeth, which means certain foods can be more challenging—or even harmful—to eat with dentures. Knowing which foods to avoid can help you prevent discomfort, damage, and unnecessary frustration as you adjust to your new smile.
Sticky Foods
Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, peanut butter, and chewing gum can cling to your dentures and make them shift out of place. These foods may also be difficult to remove from your dentures, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and damage. Not only can this make eating uncomfortable, but it can also shorten the lifespan of your dentures.
Hard or Crunchy Foods
Dentures are durable, but biting down on hard or crunchy foods—such as nuts, popcorn kernels, hard candies, or ice—can cause them to chip, crack, or become misaligned. Even something as seemingly harmless as biting into an apple can put too much pressure on your dentures, leading to discomfort. Instead, opt for softer alternatives, or cut harder foods into smaller, bite-sized pieces to reduce strain.
Tough Meats
Steaks, pork chops, and other chewy cuts of meat can be difficult to manage with dentures. These foods require a lot of grinding and pulling, which can strain your dentures and gums. If you want to enjoy meat, choose softer options like fish, ground beef, or slow-cooked dishes that are tender and easier to chew.
Seeds and Small Grains
Foods with tiny seeds—like sesame buns, strawberries, or certain breads—can get stuck under your dentures and cause irritation. Similarly, small grains like rice and popcorn hulls can slide beneath your dentures and create sore spots on your gums. Taking extra care with these foods can help prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.
Consider Implant Dentures for More Food Freedom
If avoiding these foods feels limiting, implant dentures may be an excellent option. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are anchored securely to your jaw with dental implants. This added stability gives you more chewing power and allows you to enjoy a wider variety of foods without worry. Plus, implant dentures help preserve jawbone strength, offering long-term benefits beyond eating comfortably.
Protect Your Smile and Enjoy Your Meals
Dentures can restore your ability to eat and smile with confidence, but they come with some dietary adjustments. By avoiding sticky, hard, tough, and seedy foods, you can protect your dentures and keep your gums comfortable. If you’re looking for greater freedom with your meals, consider implant dentures as a long-lasting solution.
Adjusting your diet will keep your dentures in good shape and help you enjoy meals without unnecessary discomfort.
About the Practice
At We Smile Dental of Arlington, patients receive high-quality restorative care in a welcoming environment. Dr. Atluri offers a variety of tooth replacement options, including custom dentures and implant-supported restorations. With a focus on comfort, function, and long-term oral health, our team is dedicated to helping every patient enjoy a confident smile and the freedom to eat with ease.
Call us at (682) 452-1150 or request an appointment online.