Adjusting to life with dentures typically takes most patients a little time, including learning which foods to avoid and which ones are denture-friendly. While dentures allow you to enjoy most of your favorite meals again, certain foods can still damage your appliance or cause potential discomfort, among other issues. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious alternatives that are gentle on your dentures and still satisfying to eat. Here’s what you need to know.

Foods That Are Best to Avoid with Dentures

Although you might enjoy some of the foods listed below, for the sake of your dentures, it’s wise to avoid them if possible:

• Sticky candies – Items like caramel, taffy, chewing gum, and other similar candies can cling to your dentures and potentially loosen them. These sugary and sticky substances may also be hard to clean off, increasing your risk of plaque buildup or infections.
• Hard or crunchy foods – Several types of nuts, hard candies, tough raw vegetables, corn on the cob, whole fruits like apples, and even popcorn kernels can all put pressure on your dentures and might even cause cracks or breakage. These foods can also become lodged under your dentures and irritate your gum tissue.
• Tough meats – Steak and other chewy cuts of meat can be difficult to bite and chew with dentures. These foods may dislodge your dentures or make your dentures sore from the extra effort that’s required to chew them. Fortunately, you can sometimes cut these types of meat into smaller, bite-sized pieces that may be easier to chew.
• Foods with small seeds and grains – Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, and even certain breads with oats, grains, and seeds can cause small particles to become trapped under your dentures, causing discomfort and increasing your risk of gum irritation or infection.

Denture-Friendly Food Ideas

Just because you need to steer clear of some foods doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy your meals. Here are some great options that are safe and comfortable to eat with dentures:

• Soft-cooked vegetables like steamed or roasted carrots, squash, and green beans are both nutritious and gentle on your dentures.
• Lean ground meats and slow-cooked dishes, like meatloaf, stews, and pulled chicken or pork, can be quite easy to chew with dentures.
• Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and anything milk-based offer calcium and protein while also being denture-friendly.
• Soft fruits like bananas or even mashed and pureed fruits and veggies (think applesauce and smoothies) can all be ideal options, especially during the first month of wearing your dentures.

Eating with dentures may require some small adjustments, but it doesn’t mean sacrificing good food. With a little creativity in care, you’ll be able to eat to your heart’s content while enjoying a functional, beautiful, and complete smile

About the Practice

Under the talented leadership of Dr. Michael Kelliher and Dr. Lainie Foerster, our team here at Flagship Dental Group serves the dental needs of patients in Longmeadow and the surrounding area. We offer a wide variety of services, including tooth replacement options like dentures, in both partial and full varieties, as well as implant dentures. If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for assistance. Telephone: (413) 567-1221.