The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy comforting seasonal foods. If you wear full or partial dentures, however, certain holiday favorites can pose a risk to your restoration. Being mindful of what you eat can help you avoid discomfort, damage, or an unexpected dental visit during an already busy season.
Sticky Sweets and Desserts
Many classic holiday desserts are sticky, chewy, or overly dense, making them difficult to manage with dentures. Foods like caramel candies, taffy, toffee, and sticky pies can pull on dentures, loosen their fit, or cause them to shift while chewing. These treats may also get trapped underneath your dentures, irritating the gums and increasing the risk of sores or infection.
If you’re craving something sweet, opt for softer desserts like pudding, custard, or pumpkin pie filling without the crust.
Hard and Crunchy Foods
Crunchy foods are another common culprit when it comes to denture damage. Nuts, hard candies, popcorn kernels, and crusty bread can put excessive pressure on dentures and even cause cracks or fractures. Biting into hard foods may also throw off the alignment of partial dentures, leading to discomfort or soreness.
During holiday meals, try softer side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or well-cooked vegetables that are easier to chew and gentler on your dentures.
Tough Meats
While turkey is a holiday staple, tougher cuts of meat can be challenging for denture wearers. Dry or chewy meats require extra force to chew, which may cause dentures to shift or rub against the gums. This can lead to sore spots or make eating uncomfortable.
Choose moist, tender portions of meat and cut them into small, manageable pieces. Using both sides of your mouth evenly while chewing can also help keep dentures stable.
Sticky Starches and Bread
Stuffing, dinner rolls, and thick breads may seem harmless, but they can become sticky when chewed. These foods tend to cling to dentures and the roof of the mouth, making them awkward to eat and difficult to clear away. Over time, trapped food particles can contribute to irritation or bad breath.
Sipping water during meals can help rinse away residue and keep your mouth comfortable.
Sugary and Acidic Beverages
Holiday drinks such as soda, sweet tea, and cocktails can impact oral health, even if you wear dentures. Sugary beverages can increase the risk of irritation and fungal infections, while acidic drinks may dry out the mouth. A dry mouth can make dentures feel less stable and more uncomfortable.
Drinking water between festive beverages helps keep your mouth hydrated and supports overall oral comfort.
Plan Ahead for Comfortable Holiday Eating
Being mindful of food choices doesn’t mean missing out on holiday enjoyment. Choosing denture-friendly options and taking your time while eating can help you stay comfortable and protect your restoration. If you notice soreness, looseness, or difficulty chewing, it’s best to address it sooner rather than later.
A little planning can go a long way in helping you enjoy holiday meals without worry.
About the Practice
Barker, Rohner, and Hunt provide comprehensive dental care for patients in Raleigh and the surrounding communities, including full and partial denture solutions tailored to each patient’s needs. Our experienced dental team focuses on comfort, function, and long-term oral health, helping patients enjoy confident smiles year-round.
Call us at (919) 847-7100 or request an appointment online.
