Denture Dilemma: 3 Foods to Avoid

Dentures are the tried-and-true method for replacing missing teeth because they simultaneously restore your smile’s functionality and appearance. Gaps in your grin make once-simple tasks like eating and speaking much more challenging. Thankfully, with artificial teeth in place, you can once again enjoy conversations and meals with family and friends.

However, some foods can damage your prosthetics if you’re not careful. Continue reading to learn about 3 options to avoid to keep your dentures in good shape!

Food #1: Steak

Biting into a delicious steak might please your tastebuds, but if you have dentures, you might struggle to chew it. Eating tough cuts of meat requires a lot of extra work that can cause friction where your artificial teeth touch your gums and rub them raw. The extra movement can also dislodge them, which can leave you feeling self-conscious about your condition.

It’s best to opt for more tender cuts of meat or choose slow-cooked fish or chicken instead. If you’re determined to enjoy your steak regardless, you can try cutting it into smaller pieces that are easier to digest.

Food #2: Popcorn

If you’ve ever enjoyed a handful of popcorn during a movie only to have to sneak to the bathroom to pluck a kernel from your gums, you’re not alone. This salty snack is notorious for getting jammed between your teeth. Even if you have no natural ones remaining, the thin bits can still slide between your sensitive tissue and your dentures.

This can cause enough irritation that your gums become too sore to wear your restoration, on top of being endlessly frustrating. You might even harm your gums trying to locate the offending bit and pry it free. That means avoiding this fluffy favorite can potentially prevent an emergency.

Food #3: Dark Drinks

If you enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with breakfast or a glass of wine before dinner, you should know that it can stain your dentures. These drinks all contain tannins, which are naturally occurring substances found in many plants. They’re responsible for giving them their bitter flavor, and they bond to proteins and other molecules in your mouth. This allows them to cling to the surface of your teeth, whether they’re natural or artificial, which can discolor them over time.

Because your prosthetics can’t be whitened in the traditional way, you might want to minimize your consumption to keep them looking clean and bright.

Now that you know some common culprits that can harm your dentures, you can make informed decisions that protect them!

About the Practice

At Jacksonville Dental Excellence, patients benefit from a husband/wife dental duo that works together to offer a full range of services conveniently under one roof. Drs. Ryan and Rose Johnson take the time to get to know your unique dental needs so that if a problem arises, they can quickly create fully individualized solutions to address it. They combine a personable approach with state-of-the-art equipment, so you’ll feel at ease while receiving the most up-to-date treatments. If you have lost teeth and are seeking replacements, you can request a consultation on the website or call (904) 895-4536.