With the holidays coming around, you may be excited about the plans you have with friends and family. Thanksgiving is often seen as the start of this season with your favorite people around you. Not only that, but you’ll be able to dig into a delicious feast, but certain foods on the table may spell trouble for your smile if you have dentures. Here are some you should avoid to keep your full smile safe.
1.) Popcorn and Hard Nuts
While the main course is being prepared, there may be snack options around to keep everyone from getting hangry. Popcorn and hard nuts are popular choices, as you can grab a handful and enjoy a satisfying crunch. However, these can damage your restoration or get lodged underneath. You may experience discomfort or gum irritation. Instead, opt for softer ones, like seedless grapes, berries, or hummus.
2.) Carbonated Drinks
You may be tempted to reach for a can of soda or other carbonated drink to wash down your food, but they aren’t the best for smiles in general because of their high sugar content. They are more harmful to denture wearers because of the carbon dioxide. While it makes the drink bubbly, your saliva turns it into a type of acid that can be harmful to your oral health.
Not only that, but you may experience an unsettling sensation while drinking them, causing your dentures to move more. Water is always a great choice, but so are herbal teas, such as chamomile or ginger.
3.) Tough Meats
For many families, the main course is a protein staple, such as turkey, ham, chicken, or duck. They can be tasty, but some cuts are a bit more difficult to bite through with dentures. You should avoid the tougher parts or any with bones in them. You may end up damaging your restoration or harming your gums if you aren’t careful! Instead, opt for tender cuts or take a second to cut the pieces into smaller, manageable pieces.
4.) Hard Candy
To end the meal, you might have a hard candy as a sweet treat afterward. It’s a nice snack, but they can damage your dentures if you bite them. Instead, enjoy dark chocolate or sugar-free gum to keep your prosthetic safe.
Keep these four foods in mind while you get ready for the holidays. Avoid them and opt for another choice to keep your full smile in great shape for the season and the new year that’s coming.
About the Author
At Healthy Smiles Dental Care of Muskegon, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are here to help the community rebuild their smiles with reliable tooth replacement options, such as dentures. By making sure each one is personalized for each patient, you can trust your results will look just like natural while being comfortable. If you want to know how you can keep your restoration in great condition, schedule an appointment or call our office at (231) 563-6878.