If you’re missing teeth, dentures can completely restore your smile to its previous, beautiful condition. That can give you a confidence as you go through the world that’s absolutely priceless.
However, your dentures don’t have the biting power that your previous teeth did, which means that you might have to think a little bit more about what you eat. If you have a set of new dentures, here’s a guide to a diet that you won’t have to worry about.
Foods to Avoid With Your Dentures
First, it may be a good idea to run through some foods that your dentures are likely to struggle with, and what you may want to substitute them for.
For one, chewy meats like steak can be seriously problematic. If you have a plate of meat, try and cook it as tender as possible and cut it into small, digestible pieces.
It’s also a smart idea to avoid any nuts, seeds, or popcorn that can potentially get lodged beneath your dentures. That includes other foods that include seeds on them, like a poppy seed bagel. If that happens, it could lead to a lot of discomfort. Instead, pitted olives and seedless berries can fill a similar role in your diet.
Finally, sticky foods like peanut butter and caramel can gum up your dentures, pulling them out of place and causing quite a headache. Instead, go for softer sweets, like ice cream and custard.
Foods that are Great for Your Dentures
While you can substitute those foods well, it’s also worth knowing your staple foods—what you can grab for the average meal.
For one, eggs are a great staple; whether scrambled, fried, or baked into a frittata, they’ll be soft enough to eat with your dentures. They’re also a great source of all kinds of nutrients!
Steamed foods are a great pick as well. Steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes can be combined with some softer meats to put together a deliciously filling meal.
Finally, liquid foods—purees, soups, porridges—can be tasty and nutritious if used correctly.
About the Author
When patients meet Dr. Sujal Patel for the first time, they’re immediately aware of how dedicated he is to his work. He works hard to provide care that is of the highest quality it can be for every patient he sees. Dr. Patel originally began practicing dentistry in India before moving to the U.S., where he studied at New York University. He is now a member of both the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association.
If you have any questions about how to live with dentures, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (972) 629-9339.