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Dentures can restore your smile, boost your confidence, and help you enjoy many of your favorite foods again. However, they don’t always offer the same chewing strength and stability as natural teeth, which means certain foods can be tricky—or even damaging—to eat with dentures. Knowing what to avoid can help you protect your dentures, extend their lifespan, and stay comfortable while eating. Here are some foods you may want to steer clear of if you wear dentures.
Sticky Foods
Chewy candies, caramel, and chewing gum can easily get stuck to dentures. Not only is this frustrating, but it can also loosen the seal of your dentures, making them slip out of place. If sticky foods become lodged under your dentures, they can irritate your gums and cause discomfort.
Hard Foods
Biting into hard items like nuts, popcorn kernels, hard candies, or even ice can put too much pressure on dentures. This may lead to cracks, chips, or breakage over time. Hard foods can also create sore spots on your gums, which can be especially uncomfortable if you’re still adjusting to new dentures.
Tough Meats
Steak, pork chops, and other dense meats often require strong chewing power. Because dentures aren’t anchored to the bone the way natural teeth are, these foods can be difficult to bite and grind effectively. Cutting meats into very small pieces can help, but many denture wearers find it easier to choose softer protein sources like chicken, fish, or slow-cooked dishes.
Seeds and Small Grains
Tiny seeds from foods like sesame buns, raspberries, or seeded bread can slip under dentures and cause irritation. Similarly, grains like popcorn hulls can become lodged and painful. These small particles are difficult to clean out and may increase the risk of gum inflammation if not removed quickly.
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh apples, corn on the cob, and raw carrots can be challenging with dentures because of the force required to bite into them. While these foods are healthy, it’s best to slice fruits into thin pieces or steam vegetables to soften them before eating. That way, you can enjoy the nutrition without putting too much stress on your dentures.
Considering Implant Dentures
If you find these food limitations frustrating, implant dentures could be a great alternative. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants placed in your jaw. This added stability allows you to chew with much more strength, making it easier to enjoy a wider variety of foods. Many patients find implant dentures feel more natural and offer greater confidence while eating.
By avoiding certain foods—or preparing them differently—you can make mealtimes more enjoyable while keeping your dentures in great shape.
About the Practice
Dr Charles E. Beliveau helps patients in North Andover achieve healthy, functional smiles that fit their lifestyle. Dr. Beliveau and his skilled team provide a wide range of restorative solutions, including dentures and implant-supported options, so our patients can eat comfortably and smile with confidence.
Call us at (978) 687-5900 or request an appointment online.