One of the biggest parts of the holiday season is being able to enjoy a variety of delicious foods. These may include creamy mashed potatoes, tasty stuffing, juicy turkey, and even spiced pumpkin pie. However, if this is your first Thanksgiving with dentures, then you may have to be cautious about the meals you choose. The last thing you’d want is for them to accidentally fall out or get damaged. To avoid any complications during your holiday dinner, here are several foods you should avoid and which ones are safe for your new smile!
Which Holiday Foods Should I Avoid with Dentures?
Although dentures are more durable, lifelike, and reliable than ever before, it doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. One wrong bite and your restorations can end up chipping, cracking, or fracturing. During Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll want to keep away from the following items:
- Sticky meals, like pecan pie
- Tough meats, such as steak
- Hard nuts or chips
- Crunchy candies
- Popcorn
8 Thanksgiving Foods That Are Denture-Friendly
You’ll typically have to be careful about the foods you choose to eat while wearing dentures. However, here are several treats that are much easier to handle with your restorations:
- Cooked vegetables
- Fresh fruits, like seedless grapes and berries
- Soft meals, such as mashed potatoes
- Lean protein, like tofu and turkey
- Green bean casserole (without nuts)
- Dinner rolls
- Ice cream
- Pumpkin pie
Tips for Enjoying Your Holiday Meals with Dentures
Being aware of the foods you can and can’t eat with dentures can make the holiday season much more enjoyable in the long run. Other than picking the safest and easiest meals, you’ll also want to implement certain practices for a stress-free dining experience. Firstly, make sure to cut your food into tiny pieces, as this will help minimize any extensive chewing and provide greater comfort when eating. Secondly, be careful with excessively hot drinks, as your dentures may get warped and won’t help you assess the temperature correctly until it’s too late. Remember to also chew evenly and not favor one side of your mouth over another, as this can make your restorations shift out of place.
Your new pearly whites are designed to renew your smile and bite. By keeping the above tips in mind, you should be able to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner while avoiding any complications during this holiday and beyond!
About the Author
Dr. Christine Snow earned her dental doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. She’s also a proud member of several prestigious organizations such as the Illinois State Dental Society and the American Dental Association. She provides a wide range of high-quality and comprehensive services, including dentures. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, feel free to visit our website or call 815-462-9990.