Dentures are an excellent way to bring back a complete smile, allowing you to speak, chew, and feel confident again. However, because they don’t have the same stability or bite force as natural teeth, certain foods can be difficult—or even risky—to eat. Knowing which foods to avoid can help protect your dentures from damage and keep your mouth comfortable. Here are some foods to steer clear of, along with an option that may help you enjoy a wider range of meals.
Sticky Sweets
Foods like caramel, taffy, and chewy candies can cling to dentures and pull them out of place. Not only can this feel uncomfortable, but sticky residue can make your dentures harder to clean. These sweets often get lodged around the base of the denture and increase the risk of plaque buildup. If you’re craving something sweet, softer desserts or chocolates that melt easily are usually safer choices.
Hard and Crunchy Foods
Dentures work well for everyday biting, but crunchy foods can put too much pressure on the prosthetic. Nuts, popcorn, hard candies, and even certain crusty breads can crack or damage your denture. Popcorn kernels in particular can be painful if they slip underneath the denture. To protect your appliance, choose softer snacks or cut firmer foods into smaller, manageable pieces.
Tough Meats
Chewing tough cuts of meat can be challenging with dentures since they require a strong bite. Steaks, jerky, and dense roasts may shift your dentures or cause sore spots on your gums. Opting for ground meats, slow-cooked dishes, or tender cuts can make meals much more enjoyable and gentler on your denture.
Foods with Small Seeds
Small seeds from foods like sesame buns, berries, or seeded crackers can easily slip underneath dentures. Once they get trapped, they can irritate your gums and make chewing uncomfortable. Choosing seedless alternatives or being mindful when eating seed-containing foods can help prevent irritation.
Corn on the Cob
While delicious, corn on the cob is difficult to bite into with dentures. The biting motion can loosen your denture, and kernels can become trapped beneath it. Instead, cut the corn off the cob—this keeps all the flavor without the discomfort.
How Implant Dentures Can Expand Your Diet
If you find yourself avoiding many foods because of your dentures, implant-supported dentures may be worth considering. These dentures attach securely to dental implants in your jawbone, providing much greater stability and chewing power. With implant dentures, many patients can comfortably enjoy foods they previously found difficult, including crunchy vegetables, firmer fruits, and a wider variety of proteins. The added support also helps prevent slipping, rubbing, and soreness.
Being mindful about what you eat can help keep your dentures in great shape and make mealtimes more enjoyable.
A more confident and varied diet may be possible with the right denture solution.
About the Practice
At Juniper Dental, patients receive personalized denture solutions designed for comfort, stability, and long-term function. Dr. Zang and our team offer traditional dentures as well as implant-supported options to help patients enjoy a fuller, more satisfying diet. Our attentive, patient-centered approach ensures every individual gets the support they need for a confident, healthy smile.
Call us at (505) 372-1121 or request an appointment online.