When it comes to the holiday season, you may be excited to go through it with dentures. With a full set of teeth, you can dig into a wider range of foods than before. However, some can spell bad news for your restoration. They may cause damage or be uncomfortable to chew, so here are four that you should keep off your plate during dinner.
1.) Carbonated Beverages
It’s understandable if you want a bubbly drink to enjoy your meal with, but you should steer clear of them. Aside from their sugar content, the carbon dioxide in them can also be harmful to your oral health. Your saliva turns it into an acid that can cause problems.
Not only that, but the carbonation can create an unsettling sensation as well. You may notice your dentures slipping and moving more. Try other options like water or herbal teas, like chamomile and ginger.
2.) Hard and Crunchy Foods
As you wait for the holiday’s main course, you may want to enjoy some crunchy fruits and vegetables to quell your hunger. They are satisfying to munch on, but they need a stronger bite force to eat. You may notice your prosthetic shifting because of it, so cut items like raw apples, celery, and carrots into small pieces or blend them into a smoothie.
Not only that, but nuts and popcorn can spell trouble as well! They can cause damage to your dentures while also getting stuck underneath them. This can lead to irritation, so stick to soft options like seedless grapes, berries, or hummus.
3.) Tough Cuts of Meat
Many families have a special protein staple as the entrée to dig into during the holiday, such as pork or poultry. Ham, duck, chicken, and turkey are tasty, but some parts of them are tougher than others. You’ll need to chew them for longer, which can lead to your restoration slipping or chipping if there are bones in them. You should cut tougher parts into smaller pieces or stick to the more tender portions.
4.) Sticky and Chewy Sweets
After dinner, you may want something sweet to counteract the savory you just enjoyed. There may be sticky and chewy options like marshmallows, taffy, and caramel out, but they can get stuck in your dentures. They can pull at them, which can make them come out of place. You should avoid hard candies as well and reach for softer options, such as dark chocolate and sugar-free gum.
About the Practice
At West Arvada Family Dental, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Jeramiah Paylor and Dr. Matthew Barry. We are happy to help the Arvada community feel their best about their smiles through a wide range of restorative treatments, such as dentures. By customizing your results, you can trust your prosthetic to fit comfortably while looking entirely natural. If you want to better care for your full smile, schedule an appointment or call our office at (720) 776-4900.