Dentures are a tried-and-true method to refurbish your smile after losing some or all of your teeth. With them in place, you can carry on conversations and enjoy family meals like you used to. That said, some foods are infamous for damaging or dislodging them. Keep reading to learn about 4 items you’d be better off avoiding!
Food #1: Popcorn
Nothing is as satisfying as reaching for a handful of salty popcorn during your favorite movie, but it can be problematic for your dental gear. You’re probably already familiar with the sensation of having a kernel lodged annoyingly between your teeth. Now imagine having one trapped between your gums and your dentures- yikes! This savory snack is notorious for leaving bits behind that can severely irritate your gums until they can be cleaned.
Food #2: Nuts
Though they contain protein and other beneficial nutrients, nuts are also dangerous for dentures because they are hard to crack into and difficult to chew. As a result, people tend to eat them on the backside of the mouth. It’s important to chew on both sides when your false teeth are in your mouth, so this can be problematic. Using one side more than the other can cause them to pop out of place. On top of that, you might catch a piece of a hard shell that could damage them.
Food #3: Sticky Candies
Sweet treats like caramel, taffy, and others may please your tastebuds, but you’ll probably regret eating them with dentures in. The sticky ingredients can stick to them on all sides and it’s difficult to clear away, even if you take them out. It can slip into all the nooks and crannies and leave behind particles that attract bacteria that can cause gum disease, or worse.
Food #4: Dark Drinks
You’re probably excited to have a fresh set of false teeth to show off and wouldn’t want to stain them. There are plenty of dark drinks like soda, wine, coffee, and tea that contain tannins which are known to discolor teeth, whether or not they’re real. Unfortunately, dentures soak up the pigment more readily than your natural pearly whites and don’t react well to teeth-whitening solutions. To keep them sparkling, choose water instead.
Now that you know what to steer clear of, you can make choices that will keep your dentures in prime condition. That way you can keep your perfectly renewed smile for years to come!
About the Practice
At Avion Dental & Orthodontics, your entire family benefits from a team of dentists who provide a full range of services including dentures. People from all walks of life are sure to feel comfortable with their friendly, bilingual staff. For those with busy schedules, they provide same-day appointments as well as Saturday hours to fit into your agenda. If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (972) 807-9887.