A tried-and-true solution to missing teeth is dentures. They restore a smile to its former glory and allow you to have the confidence to show it off proudly once again. It will take a short week or so to get fully used to them, so you may wonder how your meals will be affected. Keep reading to learn what foods you should steer clear of and ones you should stock up on.
What Foods Should I Avoid?
As a first-time wearer, or if you just switched to a new set of dentures, it’s normal for your gums to be a bit sensitive. Many people say they feel a bit odd at first, but your mouth will get adjusted to them. To help make this process easier for you and to protect your new prosthetic, here are foods to avoid:
- Tough Meats: These items need to be chewed more than their tender counterpart, meaning that your dentures may slip more when eating them.
- Certain Raw Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, carrots, and the like can damage your new smile because they need more bite force than softer options.
- Hard Snacks: The same thing applies to this group as the point above, but these are also likely to get lodged between your gums and your prosthetic, leading to irritation.
- Sticky Treats: Sweets like taffy or caramel can get stuck to your dentures and cause them to come out of place.
Denture-Friendly Foods to Fill Your Plate With
While adjusting your diet may be odd at first, if you find yourself wanting some of the items above, then you can take an extra step or two in preparing them. For instance, you can:
- Boil vegetables so they become softer
- Create smoothies with fruits
- Cut hard items into smaller pieces
Additionally, other parts of the culinary world are open to you. Rice, pasta, ground meats, and soups can be prepared in a multitude of ways that stay exciting. If you want to give yourself something sweet, then custard, pudding, and ice cream are some options that can fulfill those cravings.
How Can You Expand Your Menu?
Simple adjustments to your meals can make eating a bit easier, but you may wonder how you can enjoy a more varied diet. Dental implants are a reliable option you can attach your dentures to. They are placed and fused with your jawbone, so they will help your prosthetic become stable without any slippage. They give you back a lot of your original bite force, letting you have the confidence to dive into food without worry.
Regardless, dentures are a great way to restore missing teeth. Once you get used to them, you can trust your new smile looks the best it can be and lasts you for years to come.
About the Practice
Dr. Deval Parmar earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. She believes in continuing her education and has received extensive training in procedures like dental implants. Dr. Parmar helps the McKinney community get restored grins with the help of dentures, customizing each one for every patient. That way, your prosthetic will look natural while feeling comfortable. If you have missing teeth you want to restore, schedule an appointment or call her office at (972) 972-4646.