4 Foods to Avoid When Eating with Dentures

Getting dentures after struggling with tooth loss can be life-changing. These simple appliances can restore your smile, help you speak more clearly, and let you enjoy your favorite meals again. But as with any adjustment, learning to eat comfortably with dentures takes a little time. Make the transition smoother by understanding which foods might give you trouble and why avoiding them can protect both your dentures and your overall oral health. We’ve rounded up some denture-unfriendly foods below and shared tasty denture-safe swaps that you can try instead. 

Hard foods 

Hard foods are among the most common offenders when it comes to damaging dentures. Items like nuts, popcorn kernels, raw carrots, and hard candies require a lot of force to chew. That pressure can crack or dislodge your dentures. Not only that, but small particles of hard food can also slip under your dentures, causing gum irritation or soreness. Chewing on hard foods also increases your risk of uneven wear and tear, which can affect how your dentures fit over time.

Try this instead: Swap raw carrots for steamed or roasted ones for all the flavor without the crunch. Can’t give up your favorite nuts? Consider cooking them before eating. Try boiled peanuts and blanched almonds for a denture-friendly snack.

Sticky foods 

Sticky foods and dentures don’t mix well. Caramel, chewing gum, toffee, and even certain dried fruits like raisins or dates can cling to your dentures and pull them out of place as you chew. Even if your dentures fit well, these foods can make eating feel frustrating and make cleaning up afterward a chore.

Try this instead: When you’re looking for a sweet treat, consider a sorbet or yogurt topped with fruit. Choose fresh fruit over dried and opt for sweet treats that don’t stick to the dentures, like pudding, custard, or soft cookies. If you’re craving something chewy, try soft cheeses or mashed sweet potatoes for a satisfying texture without the risk of your dentures coming loose.

Tough meats 

A whopping 70% of surveyed Americans said that steak was among their favorite foods.1 While few things are as enjoyable as a juicy steak, it can be one of the hardest foods to eat with dentures. Chewing tough or stringy meats takes extra effort and can loosen your dentures, irritate your gums, or even cause sore spots in your mouth. Consuming thick cuts of meat may also lead to uneven pressure on your denture base, which could affect the fit over time.

Try this instead: Opt for softer proteins like ground turkey, shredded chicken, or slow-cooked meats that are tender and easier to chew. Steak may be off the menu, but your dentist may approve pulled pork or other slow-braised meats. Fish, eggs, and legumes are also excellent sources of protein and much gentler on your dentures and gums.

Acidic foods 

Acidic foods (such as lemons, limes, oranges, and tomatoes) can break down denture adhesives and cause dentures to come loose. They may also have a negative impact on certain denture materials affecting both their longevity and performance. The occasional citrus fruit or tomato salad is unlikely to do much damage but drinking acidic citrus juices daily may potentially wear down the materials your dentures are made of. 

Try this instead: Citrus fruits are packed with beneficial vitamins, so if you love them, keep enjoying them in moderation. Rinsing your mouth with water afterward can also help. When it comes to tomatoes, try cooked versions (like sauces or soups), which are often less acidic than raw ones.

Consider other denture options

While traditional removable dentures offer many benefits, they do have their limitations; a slightly limited diet is part of the deal. However, implant dentures can give you the best of both worlds. Implant dentures are removable dentures that can be snapped onto dental implants placed in your jaw. Getting dental implants can take several months and involves a small surgery to place the implants. However, the benefits are undeniable:

• You get to enjoy more of your favorite foods, including steaks and crunchy foods like apples and carrots.
• You won’t need denture adhesive or metal clasps since implants hold your dentures securely in place.
• You never have to worry about your dentures slipping or shifting out of place.

Contact your dentist for more information on traditional dentures and implant dentures in Sarasota. Your dentist will recommend the best treatment based on factors like your budget, lifestyle, age, eligibility, health, and preferences.