Proper nutrition is important at any stage of life. However, eating with dentures can pose a bit of a challenge, especially if you are not use to them yet. To help you ensure you are getting the nutrients you need to stay healthy here are a list of foods that will keep your dentures and your taste buds happy.
Foods to Enjoy with New Dentures
It takes a while to get used to a new set of dentures as your gums need time to adjust to chewing and biting. To make your first few meals comfortable and nutritious you should try eating soft foods like:
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce
- Broth
- Mashed potatoes and other mashed vegetables
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Fruit and vegetable juices
- Canned fruit
Transitioning to Solid Foods
After a few days your mouth will adjust to your new dentures and you can move on to more solid foods. When eating, be sure to cut your food into small pieces in order to reduce the amount of chewing you need to do. Begin to incorporate foods like:
- Rice
- Pasta
- Soft bread
- Soups made with soft vegetables and meats
- Cooked vegetables
- Soft, skin free fish
- Baked beans
Foods to Avoid
Eventually you will be able to eat most of the foods you are accustomed to eating. You should still always be sure to chew your food thoroughly using both sides of your mouth as evenly as possible. Unfortunately, some foods will never be denture friendly. Avoid foods in these categories:
- Sticky foods: Sticky substances can move your dentures out of place, allowing food to get between your dentures and your gums. This not only irritates your gums but can increase your likelihood of getting gum disease. Avoid foods like peanut butter and gummy candies.
- Foods with small, stubborn pieces: Any foods that your teeth cannot chew or grind easily will present a problem. Popcorn kernels, sesame seeds and shelled nuts and seeds can easily get stuck in and around your dentures.
- Hard foods: Chewing hard foods require your jaw and dentures to apply uneven pressure. This can dislodge or damage your dentures, so avoid nuts, popcorn, apples, raw carrot sticks and corn on the cob.
- Tough meats: Foods that require a lot of chewing place unnecessary stress on your dentures and gums. Too much chewing and grinding can create sore spots where your dentures and your gums meat. Avoid pork chops, steak and ribs.
Foods You Can Enjoy
If you find yourself craving any of the foods you should avoid don’t worry, there are plenty of tasty substitutions for a denture-friendly diet such as:
- Slow-cooked meats: The longer you cook meat the more tender it tends to become. Slow cooking also adds rich and intense flavour to all types of meat. Try beef brisket, pulled pork or pot roast.
- Ground meats: Ground meats are easy to eat with dentures because the grinding process removes much of the toughness. Add ground meats to casseroles, tacos and meat pies. If you find ground beef is too fatty opt for a leaner meat like ground turkey.
- Non-nut protein spreads: If you love peanut butters for its rich mix of sweet and salty or high protein content you might enjoy hummus. Made from ground chickpeas, this dip and spread offers a mild flavour that pairs well with many spices. For a sweet spread try cream cheese.
- Ripe fruits: A lot of fruits tend to be naturally soft when they are ripe, including oranges, peaches, bananas and mangos. Most fruits can be enjoyed with dentures.
- Cooked vegetables: Most vegetables are crunchy in their raw state, but vegetables that have been boiled or steamed have a softer texture. The wide variety of types and flavours means endless possibilities and combinations.
For more information on denture-friendly foods, or to book an appointment, contact the Future Smiles Denture Clinic today at 403.475.0016 and visit calgarydentureclinic.net.
