With the holidays approaching, you may be wondering if your new smile will allow you to eat the foods you really love. Dentures are designed to improve your bite force and chewing ability day to day; however, certain items are best left alone if you want to avoid a trip to the emergency dentist’s office. Find out which foods you can readily enjoy as well as those you should pass on.
Let It Pass By: Foods You Should Avoid (or Limit) During the Holidays
When dentists talk about avoiding certain holiday foods while wearing dentures, many patients find it hard to give them up altogether. This is why you are strongly encouraged to let these dishes and beverages pass by:
- Eggnog: If you want to keep decay and gum disease from derailing the season, consider a healthier alternative – water. Since eggnog contains alcohol, it can dry out your mouth, which can prevent saliva from forming and protecting your teeth. Also, dentures need a moist environment to stay in place, so you may struggle with slippage.
- Tough Meats: While turkey, chicken, and ham may be easier to eat, other meats may be tougher to chew. Duck, roast, and prime rib can be problematic for denture-wearers, resulting in frustration and embarrassment should your teeth fall out. If you plan to eat these foods, try cutting them up into bite-sized pieces.
- Hard Nuts: Considered a quick and easy snack to enjoy while watching a movie, these tiny pieces can damage your dentures if you’re not careful. This means your evening with family may turn into a sudden dental emergency.
Other foods you may want to avoid include corn on the cob, sticky candies (i.e., caramel, taffy, gum, etc.), raw or hard fruits and vegetables, cranberry sauce, popcorn, and hard candy (i.e., peppermints, candy canes, etc.).
Fill Your Plate: Foods You Can Enjoy with Dentures
You don’t need to be sad when reviewing the list of items you need to avoid during the holidays, especially when you see all the delicious ones you can enjoy! They include:
- Tender meats (i.e., chicken, turkey, ham)
- Fish
- Green bean casserole
- Smooth or creamy soups
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked or steamed vegetables
- Rice or stuffing
- Ice cream
- Soft cookies or brownies
- Fudge (without nuts)
- Cake
Of all the items you can prepare to enjoy this holiday season, don’t forget to drink plenty of water and take proper care of your mouth and dentures. This will ensure your teeth continue to shine brightly with every photo you take and memory you make.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Makram gets just as excited about the holidays as his patients, which is why he wants everyone to take proper care of their smile this time of year. If you wear dentures, visit our website or call (239) 513-9990 to schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to discuss how to protect your smile and avoid any injuries or other dental issues, whether you’re at home or away for the holidays.