The temperature is dropping, the leaves are changing colors, and the days are getting shorter. It’s that special time of the year many people look forward to – the holiday season! During this time, there are several opportunities to enjoy good food and fun times with loved ones. While indulging in all your favorite seasonal meals and treats, the last thing on your mind might be your dental restorations – but they should be a priority. If you have dentures or implants, here are some holiday foods you should stay away from to keep your smile safe.
Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables
Everyone knows that fresh fruits and vegetables are a critical part of a healthy diet. Although that may be true, they can still be harmful to people with dentures or implants. Biting into apples, carrots, or other crunchy fruits and veggies can damage your restoration, causing it to shift or become loose. So, before you dig into any of these snacks, make sure you slice or puree them to make them easier to consume.
Sticky, Chewy, Gummy Foods
Do you enjoy eating caramel, peanut brittle, and toffee? These holiday favorites are certainly tasty, but they can be tough to chew for people with dental restorations. Not only can they loosen the suction between your denture and gums, but food particles can easily get stuck underneath your dentures or implants. If you fail to remove these harmful substances, it can cause bacteria buildup and result in sore, irritated gum tissue.
Tough Meats
Well-done steak, beef jerky, and pork chops are all meats that require constant chewing. Sadly, this action puts unnecessary stress on your dentures and can dislodge them or create sore spots on your gum tissue. That said, if you have dental restorations, it’s a good idea to skip on these tough meats this holiday season.
Nuts
Nuts are an excellent snack because they’re tasty and nutritious. Unfortunately, biting down on them can damage your dentures and cause pain as well. The sharp edges can get stuck underneath your restoration and keep it from fitting properly. Therefore, if you want to keep your dentures and gums safe, consider eating softer foods like olives instead!
Popcorn
Although popcorn itself isn’t horrible for your teeth, you have to watch out for the unpopped kernels. They can get stuck in your teeth or under your restoration, both of which can be very painful. Eating hard kernels can damage your dentures or implants by cracking them or compromising them. To keep your smile safe, opt for some airy crisps or cheese puffs instead!
Are you ready for the holiday season? Don’t forget to prioritize your oral health. By avoiding the foods outlined above, you can protect your smile and ensure it remains happy and healthy these coming months!
About the Practice
At Torbram Dental, we strive to treat every patient that walks through our door like a member of our very own family. Our highly skilled and qualified team will always go the extra mile to ensure you receive the quality treatment you deserve. For more holiday tips, visit our website or call (905) 792-7163.