I Just Got Dentures; What Can I Not Eat with Them?

Dentures have allowed millions of people to restore their smiles after extensive tooth loss. These modern dental appliances are incredibly lifelike and amazingly comfortable, so much so that many people forget that they’re wearing them at all. However, dentures do not have quite the same chewing power as natural teeth because they are not firmly anchored in the mouth. Here are a few foods dentures can have trouble chewing along with a few tips for enjoying your meals.

You Might Have to Take a Break from Steak

While steak is a dish beloved by people from nearly all walks of life, it can be a tough meat for dentures to chew. Dentures simply do not have the same leverage as natural teeth, and biting or tearing off a bit of meat or even grinding a piece can be a difficult feat when wearing them. However, there are workarounds. Try cutting your steak into small pieces and giving them a liberal dressing of gravy, steak sauce, or au jus. This will keep your meat at a manageable size while helping soften up the tough tissue.

Chewing Popcorn Can Leave You Forlorn

Popcorn is a popular snack across the world because of its puffy yet crunchy texture, its middling nutritional value, and how it can be easily dressed up with a variety of spices and toppings. Unfortunately, the hulls and unpopped kernels that come with it can be quite troublesome for dentures. Unpopped kernels are a menace to natural and artificial teeth alike, and biting too hard on one can chip, crack, or break a tooth. These hulls can also easily get caught between the teeth or under the dentures, where they can provide food and shelter to infectious oral bacteria.

Don’t Sob Over Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a celebrated treat at barbeques across America because of its smoky, sweet flavor and how it takes so well to seasonings and sauces. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to bite corn right off the cob while wearing dentures because they don’t have the same biting power as real teeth. This does not mean that you can’t enjoy corn on the cob with dentures. Just cut the corn off the cob and onto a plate first and enjoy it with a fork, chopsticks, or another utensil.

About the Author

Dr. Chris Johnson earned his dental degree at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. He remains dedicated to developing his skillset through continuing education courses and completed the Implant Pathway program in 2019. His office in Houston provides preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dental treatments as well as denture services. To schedule your consultation for dentures, contact his office online or dial (713) 229-8100.