Getting dentures is a big step toward restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Whether you’ve just started your denture journey or have been wearing dentures for a while, understanding which foods to avoid can make a world of difference to your comfort and oral health.
While dentures are designed to function similarly to natural teeth, they’re not quite the same. Certain foods can loosen, damage, or irritate your dentures and gums. In this guide, we’ll explore the key things you can’t eat with dentures, why they pose challenges, and what you can enjoy instead.
Let’s Start With Why It Matters
Eating with dentures takes some getting used to. Unlike natural teeth, dentures rest on your gums, which are softer and more sensitive. Chewing certain foods can put uneven pressure on your dentures, leading to sore spots, irritation, and even damage to the denture material itself.
A good denture experience starts with knowing what foods to avoid and how to adjust your habits for better comfort and denture care. Your goal? Maintain good oral health, protect your dentures, and enjoy your meals stress-free.
Sticky Foods: The Worst Offenders
Sticky foods and treats can be a real nuisance for denture wearers. They cling to denture surfaces, dislodge the fit, and can even pull your dentures out of place while chewing.
Avoid these sticky troublemakers:
- Chewy toffees
- Caramel
- Sticky lollies
- Gummy sweets
- Peanut butter in large amounts
- Sticky candy or nougat
The sticky nature of these foods creates suction that pulls on the dentures, making eating uncomfortable and increasing your risk of sore spots. They’re also difficult to clean off, which can lead to plaque buildup and oral health issues.
Denture-friendly swap: Try smooth nut butter in moderation, or enjoy ripe fruits and mashed vegetables for that satisfying mouthfeel without the stickiness.
Hard Foods: Crunching Can Cause Damage
When wearing dentures, biting into hard foods can place too much pressure on one part of the denture, which may cause it to crack or shift.
Foods to avoid include:
- Hard candies
- Nuts
- Popcorn kernels
- Raw carrots or other hard raw vegetables
- Ice cubes
- Crusty bread or hard toast
Hard foods don’t just challenge your bite; they can also lead to uneven wear or even breakage of full or partial dentures. For new denture wearers, this can feel discouraging, especially when craving familiar textures.
Softer alternatives: Swap raw vegetables for cooked vegetables or mashed potatoes. Choose veggie chips that are baked, soft or slow-cooked for easier chewing.
Tough Meats: Not Worth the Struggle
Tough or chewy meats can pose a big challenge, especially for those with new dentures. They require a lot of force to break down, which puts more pressure on your gums and can cause irritation.
Examples of meats to avoid with dentures:
- Steak
- Jerky
- Chewy pork or lamb cuts
Even with a strong bite, these meats can slip under the denture base or apply pressure unevenly, which can cause discomfort or sore spots.
Better choices: Try slow-cooked or shredded meats like pulled chicken, braised lamb, or soft meatloaf. These are easier to chew and still packed with flavour.
Spicy and Hot Foods: Proceed With Caution
If you love a good curry or spicy noodle dish, you may need to take it easy after getting dentures. Hot foods and spicy seasonings can irritate your gums, especially during the early adjustment period.
You might also find that your taste buds work differently while wearing dentures, making hot and spicy foods feel more intense than usual.
What to avoid:
- Spicy sauces
- Chilli-heavy dishes
- Extra-hot curries
- Piping hot soups or stews
Top tip: Let your food cool down slightly before eating, and start with mild flavours until your mouth adjusts.
Foods That Dry the Mouth
A dry mouth makes chewing and wearing dentures more uncomfortable. Without enough saliva, your dentures may not sit as securely, and food can stick, making eating unpleasant.
Foods and drinks that cause dry mouth include:
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated drinks
- Salty snacks
- Red wine
- Tobacco products (not food, but worth mentioning)
Instead, drink plenty of water throughout the day, and try eating soft fruits like watermelon, ripe pears, or oranges to help keep your mouth moist.
Citrus Fruits and Acidic Foods
Citrus fruits may seem like a healthy choice, but the acidity can irritate sensitive gum tissues. For those who wear dentures, especially after recent tooth extractions, the acidity may delay healing and cause discomfort.
Limit:
- Lemons
- Limes
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Vinegar-based dressings
Gentler swaps: Choose soft, non-acidic ripe fruits like bananas, melons, or cooked apples.
Tips to Make Eating with Dentures Easier: Simple ways to enjoy your meals without stress or soreness
Adjusting to life with dentures can take some time, especially when it comes to mealtimes. But with a few practical strategies and a little patience, you can make eating more enjoyable, more comfortable, and a whole lot easier. Here are some gentle, tried-and-true tips to help you ease into eating with confidence.
1. Start Soft and Build Up Slowly
In the early days of wearing dentures, it’s best to stick with soft foods that require minimal chewing. Think mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soft fruits, soups, and well-cooked vegetables. These options are gentle on your gums and allow your mouth time to adjust before moving on to more textured foods.
2. Cut Food into Small, Bite-Sized Pieces
Large chunks of food can be hard to manage with dentures and may cause uneven pressure or dislodge the denture. Take the time to cut your food into small, manageable bites. Not only does this make chewing easier, but it also reduces your risk of discomfort or sore spots.
3. Chew Slowly and Evenly on Both Sides
To keep your dentures stable and prevent irritation, chew food slowly and use both sides of your mouth at the same time. This balances the pressure and helps keep your dentures in place. It may feel awkward at first, but with practice, it will become second nature.
4. Avoid Biting with the Front Teeth
Try not to bite into foods using your front teeth. Doing so can shift or loosen your dentures. Instead, use your back teeth to chew and rely on your knife and fork to break down foods into manageable portions before they go into your mouth.
5. Sip Water Throughout Your Meal
Drinking water while you eat helps soften food, aids digestion, and reduces the risk of dry mouth, a common issue for denture wearers. It also helps rinse away food particles that might get trapped beneath your dentures.
6. Stay Away from Sticky or Hard Foods
As tempting as sticky candy or crusty bread might be, these foods can create real trouble when wearing dentures. They might stick, pull, or damage the denture or put too much pressure on your gums. Opt for denture-friendly foods and save yourself the frustration.
7. Be Patient and Give Yourself Time
Wearing dentures is a big change, and mealtimes might feel different for a while. Be kind to yourself. Everyone adjusts at their own pace. With patience and a bit of creativity in the kitchen, you’ll soon find a new normal that works for you.
8. Use Denture Adhesive if Needed
If your dentures feel a bit unstable during meals, your dentist may recommend using a denture adhesive. It can help create a stronger seal, reduce movement, and improve comfort while chewing.
9. Keep Your Dentures Clean
Clean dentures not only feel better in your mouth but also function better when it’s time to eat. Brush your dentures gently after meals, and rinse them thoroughly as part of your daily denture care routine.
10. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Lastly, regular check-ups help ensure your dentures still fit well and allow your dentist to make any needed adjustments. Poorly fitting dentures can make chewing difficult and cause sore spots that interfere with eating.
Can You Ever Go Back to Your Favourite Foods?
Still, it’s best to steer clear of risky solid foods like sticky candy and hard nuts, as they can cause more harm than satisfaction.
Final Thoughts: Eat Well, Smile Often
Navigating what you can and can’t eat with dentures might feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the foods to avoid, embracing denture-friendly options, and building mindful habits, you can still enjoy a satisfying and nutritious diet.
It’s all part of your journey to a natural-looking smile and a healthier, happier life. Remember, your dentist is there to help you through this transition and can offer personalised tips based on your specific dentures and oral condition.
Keep smiling, chew slowly, and enjoy every bite. Denture life is all about adapting with confidence.
Need tailored advice or denture support? Contact Balmoral Dental Centre at (07) 3113 9789 to help you every step of the way.
References
- Colgate. (n.d.). What is good oral health? Colgate. Retrieved from https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/what-is-good-oral-hygiene
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dentures. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10900-dentures
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Dry mouth – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-mouth/symptoms-causes/syc-20356048
- Polident. (n.d.). Types of denture adhesive. Polident. Retrieved from https://www.polident.com/en-us/full-dentures/denture-care/types-of-denture-adhesive/