Now that you’re in the holiday season, you’re bound to want to enjoy plenty of delicious meals. However, if this is the first Thanksgiving with your new dentures, you might assume that most of the seasonal dishes are off the table. The good news is that you only have to avoid certain kinds of foods. To keep your dentures safe, here are several holiday foods you should avoid and those you can enjoy!
5 Foods to Avoid with Dentures
While dentures are more durable and natural-looking than ever before, they can still become damaged if exposed to excessive forces. If you want to avoid chipping, cracking, or breaking them, it’s best to stay clear of the following foods:
- Sticky foods, like pecan pie
- Tough meats, like steak and porkchop
- Crunchy candies
- Hard nuts, like almonds
- Popcorn
Which Foods Can I Enjoy with Dentures?
Although you won’t be able to eat all kinds of foods with dentures, the list of those you can enjoy is much longer. Here are several tasty treats you can indulge in during the holidays:
- Fruit, such as seedless grapes and fresh berries
- Cooked veggies
- Lean protein, like tofu and turkey
- Green bean casserole (without nuts)
- Soft foods, such as mashed potatoes
- Dinner rolls
- Ice cream
- Pumpkin pie
Essential Tips for Eating Holiday Foods with Dentures
It’s important to know what you can include in your holiday meals while wearing your dentures. Once you do, you’ll then want to practice a few measures to help make your mealtime experience more enjoyable in the long run. Firstly, be sure to cut your food into tiny pieces. Not only will this make your dinner easier to consume, but it’ll minimize the amount of chewing you’ll have to do. You’ll want to be careful with hot beverages, as your dentures don’t have nerves and won’t signal the temperature properly. You can end up burning yourself if you aren’t careful. It’s best to also chew your food evenly, not favoring one side of your mouth, or your dentures might slip out of place.
Since dentures are meant to renew your smile and bite, you shouldn’t have to miss out on most of the delicious meals during the holiday season. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to have an enjoyable and comfortable Thanksgiving dinner!
About the Author
Dr. Natalya Ramsay received her dental degree from the Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry. She’s also a member of several prominent organizations, such as the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and regularly pursues continuing education to expand her skills and techniques. She provides a wide selection of advanced and high-quality services, including dentures. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call 503-472-1402.