Is this your first holiday season with dentures? Naturally, you might be wondering if this year will look a bit different since hard, crunchy, and chewy foods are off the table. For good reason too – these items can result in chips, cracks, and damage that are both a nuisance to handle and potentially costly to fix. That’s why it’s important to be aware of some common holiday foods to avoid this year (as well as a few options that are delicious and dentures-friendly). So, keep reading!
6 Holiday Foods You Should Avoid with Dentures
While dentures can significantly improve your bite, especially if you were struggling with moderate to severe tooth loss, it’s still a good idea to steer clear of extremely hard, sticky, and chewy foods. Unfortunately, this describes many of the festive staples you see around the holidays, including:
- Pecan pie
- Hard bread
- Chewy meats
- Caramel
- Candy canes
- Raw nuts
It’s also smart to limit your intake of wine, soda, and energy drinks, which are often loaded with sugar and can quickly stain your dentures and teeth. Instead, stick to water, milk, or a milk alternative.
7 Delicious and Denture-Friendly Options
Don’t worry – steering clear of the previously mentioned foods and drinks won’t mean you’ll have a boring holiday season. In fact, there are several staples that are both delicious and dentures-friendly, such as:
- Mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole (no nuts)
- Soft cookies
- Stuffing
- Turkey
- Pumpkin pie
- Cheesecake
Why You Should Schedule Your Biannual Checkup Before the End of the Year
Being choosy about what you fill your plate with this holiday season is important – it makes a difference in your oral health and the condition of your dentures! Of course, it’s also just one of many steps you should be taking this time of year to protect your smile. Another important one is scheduling your second checkup and cleaning of 2022. Even if you don’t have any of your natural teeth left, you should regularly visit your dentist so they can examine your dentures, screen for oral cancer, and check your gums for warning signs of gum disease. So, if you haven’t attended your second checkup and cleaning of 2022, now is the time to do so!
About the Practice
With our two exceptional dentists at Pinnacle Dental in your corner, tooth loss doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. In fact, we offer several tooth-replacement options, including dentures. Since these all-porcelain restorations are designed to look and feel natural, you can enjoy a beautiful smile and a strong bite once more. If you would like to learn more about what you should and shouldn’t eat with dentures or you want to schedule an appointment to see if you’re a candidate, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (781) 412-1412.