Dentures are an excellent way for many people to replace their lost teeth, but they don’t provide the same chewing power as a full set of natural pearly whites. While you’ll be able to enjoy many tasty foods after receiving your restoration, it’s important to understand that biting and chewing certain items can damage your appliances. Here’s a quick look at a few popular foods that are difficult to enjoy with dentures.
Corn on the Cob Can Be Risky
Corn on the cob is a smokey summertime favorite that can be dressed up with all sorts of spices and sauces, but it is notoriously difficult to enjoy when wearing dentures. Traditional restorations are supported by the mouth’s natural suction and possibly adhesive products, and this doesn’t give them sufficient leverage to easily bite the corn off the cob. This can lead to chips and cracks in the artificial teeth that require repairs from a qualified dentist.
However, you can still enjoy this dish without fear as long as you cut the corn from the cob and enjoy it with a fork or a similar utensil off a plate. This way, you can minimize the stress this snack can put on your appliance and gum tissue.
Steak Can Be Too Tough and Chewy
Many people consider steak to be the single tastiest food in existence, but these tender cuts can be too fibrous and tough for people who have lost teeth. Even if you wear traditional dentures while eating steak, it can be exceedingly difficult to pulverize the meat into a pulp that can be easily swallowed and digested. Thankfully, you can still enjoy a fine cut of meat after receiving dentures if you cut it into sufficiently small pieces. Some patients find that covering steak with a tasty sauce can also make it easier to chew.
How Can I Achieve Optimal Chewing Power?
Traditional dentures have their limitations, but anchoring your restorations with dental implants can give them incredible longevity and allow you to exert maximum chewing power. Since implants are anchored securely in the jawbone, they can give dentures the leverage they need to bite, tear, and grind all sorts of foods into masses that are easy to swallow. In this way, implant dentures can significantly expand a patient’s diet and help them enjoy better oral and overall health.
Dentures can be a fantastic way to make eating easier and more enjoyable. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to replace your lost teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Vidya Kini Kukkundur earned her dental degree at the New York University College of Dentistry and has practiced dentistry in South Jersey for thirteen years. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, and the Southern New Jersey Dental Society. Her office in Marlton offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To learn more about eating with dentures, contact her office on the web or dial (856) 596-4333.