Having partial dentures or denture implants can be an excellent solution for individuals who have lost some of their teeth. They can help improve your ability to speak and eat confidently, making life more comfortable. However, to keep your partial dentures in good shape and avoid damage, you must know which foods to avoid. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the foods that can harm your partial dentures and suggest safe alternatives.
1. Sticky or chewy foods
Foods that are sticky or chewy, like caramel, gum, and taffy, can harm your partial dentures as they can get stuck between the teeth of the denture, causing damage or dislodging them entirely. This can be uncomfortable and costly as you may need repairs or replacements. Instead, eat softer foods such as mashed potatoes or cooked vegetables without added sauces.
2. Hard foods
Hard foods, such as nuts, ice cubes, popcorn kernels, and hard candy, should also be avoided when wearing partial dentures. These types of food can cause harm by breaking the dental material used in creating the prosthesis, leading to discomfort while eating and risking further damage to the remaining teeth’s structure. Alternatively, try having soft fruits, such as bananas or berries.
Reference: medlineplus.gov
3. Acidic foods
Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits (lemon, lime, or orange), pickles, sauerkraut, and vinegar-based dressings, as well as tomatoes, should be eaten sparingly, if at all possible, because they increase the risk of corrosion on the metal parts of your partial dentures, which can lead to discoloration or deterioration over time, resulting in early replacement costs.
4. Tough meats
Tough meats, such as steak, require a lot of chewing, which can cause damage to your partial dentures over time if consumed frequently. Try softer proteins, such as fish, chicken, or ground beef, to avoid this issue altogether.
5. Starchy foods
Starchy foods, such as bread or pasta, can become lodged in the crevices of your partial dentures, causing discomfort. Additionally, these foods contain high levels of carbohydrates, which can lead to tooth decay if not adequately cleaned from one’s mouth after eating. Instead, opt for greens or other fiber-rich vegetables.
Final thoughts
You can significantly reduce the risk of damaging partial dentures by avoiding sticky, chewy, hard, acidic, tough, and starchy foods. Taking care of your dental health is essential to maintaining an active lifestyle with confidence. If you have further questions about which foods to avoid when wearing partial dentures or need more information on maintaining good oral hygiene practices, contact SoCO Perio today!