As the holiday season starts, you may be excited to get into the spirit of it all. Thanksgiving often marks the first festivity for many families. The delicious meal you’re planning is only made better by sharing it with your loved ones. However, if you have dentures, then some foods can cause trouble. While your restoration is reliable, you should avoid these four items as they can make eating comfortably a bit harder.
1.) Tough Meats
In many holiday feasts, there is a protein staple that you and your loved ones indulge in. Turkey, ham, duck, or chicken are some that are tasty, but certain cuts can be difficult to chew with dentures. Be especially wary of ones that have bone shards in them, since they can damage your dentures and harm your gums! Instead, take the time to cut them into bite-sized pieces or stick to tender cuts.
2.) Carbonated Drinks
To wash down your food while you eat, you may pair it with a cold carbonated drink. Soda is one popular option, but you may already know how they aren’t the best for your grin because of its high sugar content.
However, the carbon dioxide used to make it bubbly can get turned into a type of acid by your saliva. It can be harmful to your gums when you overindulge. Not only that, but the carbonation can create an unsettling sensation and make it more likely that your dentures move while you eat.
3.) Hard Candies
For a sweet treat after dinner, you may reach for your favorite hard candy. Whether it’s one leftover from the holiday before or getting festive with a candy cane, they aren’t the best for your smile. Aside from being full of sugar, you may accidentally try biting down on them! This is an easy way to damage your dentures or cause a break.
It’s normal if you still want something sweet, so choose softer options. Dark chocolate or sugar-free gum are some good choices.
4.) Popcorn and Hard Nuts
You and your family might end the night by watching a movie or playing a game together. As a snack, you may have popcorn or hard nuts nearby for people to enjoy. To protect your smile, you may want to avoid these options. Similar to the one above, they can cause damage to your dentures. However, they may also get stuck underneath your prosthetic. This can lead to discomfort or even irritate your gums.
Keep your grin in great shape this holiday season! Steer clear of the foods above, and you can help keep your dentures safe. That way, they stay the best they can be for the new year and beyond!
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Dean earned his dental degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He is here to help the Covington community replace their missing teeth with reliable treatments, such as dentures. By working with a dental lab, you can trust that your restoration looks as natural as possible. If you want to learn how you can better care for your full smile, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Dean’s office at (770) 786-3915.