Holidays are often about the delicious treats shared with the family. Dentures restore your ability to chew, but there are certain holiday goodies that can pose problems if you have dental prosthetics. The denturists at Baker Lanoue Denture Clinic recommend avoiding these types of food to protect your gums and dentures at  Easter and other festivities through the year.   

We know how tempting the holiday table is, but we want you to spend time with your family instead of your denturist. You don’t have to avoid all holiday foods; you just need to choose wisely. Here are some foods that can spell disaster for your dentures and some alternative suggestions:  

• Sticky foods – Toffee, caramel and honey glazes cling to your dentures and make it hard to chew. Marshmallows, like Easter peeps, can be problematic, too. Just pay attention to what you are eating. Choose healthy vegetables, mashed potatoes and tender meats that won’t stick to your teeth.   
• Popcorn – Popcorn is hard to eat with natural teeth. When you have complete or partial dentures, it can be particularly painful to deal with. The kernels get lodged in your teeth or stuck under the dentures. If you’re craving something salty and crunchy while watching a movie on a long weekend, choose veggie chips or puffed cheese crisps. Olives and seedless grapes make good appetizer snacks that don’t have the same risks as popcorn.  
• Nuts and seeds – Breads topped with poppyseeds or treats with nuts can be difficult to deal with when you’re wearing dentures. As with popcorn, the tiny seeds can get lodged under your dentures, which is painful. Nuts can be difficult to chew. Choose breads and treats without nuts or seeds.   
• Tough cuts of meat – Your steak dinner might be hard to eat unless the steak is tender.  Cut the meat into smaller bites to be able to chew with both sides of your mouth. Chew slowly to pay attention to how your dentures feel. When possible, choose tender meats.  
• Coffee, wine and tea – Just as wine and coffee stain your natural teeth, that glass of Cabernet Sauvignon with your steak dinner isn’t good for your dentures.  

• Hard candies and gummies – If you have a tendency to bite down on hard candies, you put undue stress on your dentures. Gummies can stick to your dentures. If you want candy on the weekend, dark chocolate is the better choice. Instead of jellybeans on Easter, try sugar-free gum. Drink water after eating candy to rinse the sugars off your teeth.  

Sticking to denture-friendly foods on the holidays lets you enjoy your time with family and friends. If you’re interested in dentures or need to get your dentures adjusted before you indulge in a holiday feast, visit the denture professionals at Baker Lanoue Denture Clinic. Our denturists can make sure your dentures are in peak condition and fit well for your comfort and peace of mind.  

If you live in Windsor or the surrounding area, please call 519-252-7772 to book your appointment or request a consultation online.