The Denture Diet: Tasty, Healthy Alternatives to Now-Forbidden Foods
If you’ve just received a new set of dentures, you’re going to experience a whole new world of eating and speaking with confidence. And although you will need to change your diet, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy some great foods. Eating with dentures can be a challenge, especially if you’re not sure which foods are going to give you some trouble. If you’re tired of agonizing over meal plans, try some of these denture-friendly foods that taste great.
Heading to the Movies? Swap the Popcorn for Some Air-Popped Veggie Chips
One food that most denture wearers struggle with is popcorn. Popcorn is a challenging food because the husks tend to get trapped underneath dentures and cause irritation. The popped kernels can also be hard to break with dentures, and may even cause your dentures to shift. That said, popcorn is a very tasty food, and if you’re an avid moviegoer, it can seem like a life without popcorn is no life at all. But take heart – there’s a great popcorn alternative that won’t harm your dentures. Veggie chips are tasty, healthy, and easy to chew. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to drink lots of water to keep your saliva production up and ensure your dentures don’t slip.
Trail Mix Nut? Try Pitted Olives Instead
Trail mix is a healthy snack that is popular among outdoor enthusiasts – and with so many different varieties of trail mix, discovering a new kind is always fun. But when you have dentures, trail mix is a problem food. The nuts and seeds found in trail mix can get lodged under your dentures and cause irritation. Plus, when you chew nuts and seeds, you tend to chew them on just one side of your mouth – which can cause your dentures to come loose. Instead, try some pitted green olives. Olives are easier to chew, plus they’re rich in healthy fats. Berries and seedless grapes are also tasty alternatives to trail mix that you can still eat.
Coffee or Tea Drinker? Start Getting More Water
Coffee and tea can pose a variety of problems for denture wearers. The caffeine in coffee and tea will dry out your mouth, and without saliva to cushion your dentures, you’ll find that your gums will start to get irritated. In order to keep your mouth healthy, you’ll need to change your coffee or tea habit – but don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you have to swear off coffee and tea entirely.
If possible, you’ll want to switch to decaf – but if you need the full-strength brew, there is another option. Decaffeinated coffee and tea are most certainly better for denture wearers, but you can still enjoy your typical coffee as long as you start drinking more water.
Love That Red Meat? Opt for a Stewed or Slow-Cooked Version
As a notoriously tough and chewy dish, red meat is a problem for denture wearers. A big, juicy piece of steak or lamb will go well with some potatoes, but as steak and lamb are tough to chew, they can cause your dentures to get dislodged or make your mouth sore. If you’re determined to keep your red meat on the menu, you’ll want to slightly change the way you prepare it. By cutting your meat into smaller pieces or switching to ground meat, you’ll have an easier time enjoying the food you love. You’ll also find that it’s easier to chew your meat if it’s been stewed or slow-cooked in a crockpot.
Adjusting to life after dentures can be a challenge. Here at Badie Dental, we have years of experience in helping our patients transition to the denture lifestyle. If you’re considering getting dentures – or if you have dentures but aren’t sure what foods you can and can’t eat – we can help. Call Badie Dental at (520) 325-3022 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Badie and learn how you can eat, drink, and be merry with your new dentures.
