Between the candies, spirits, and carb-filled side dishes, the holidays are a time to enjoy some of the most popular and long-awaited meals. With tables full of ham, turkey, cranberry sauce, eggnog, and delectable pies, passing on any of these divine options might seem impossible. While nothing is entirely off-limits, there are some holiday foods you should limit and be more mindful of, especially while wearing dentures. Keep reading to learn why these three treats are ones you should be careful of this time of year.
Caramel Treats
You may be tempted to reach for one of those cubed caramels that are conveniently located well within reach, but this sticky, chewy treat can be disastrous for your dentures. Apart from the sugar contents that can cause problems with any existing natural teeth and gum tissue, the consistency can cause your dentures to become dislodged.
It can also be harder to remove the caramel contents from the chewing surfaces of your dentures, making your cleaning time longer and more arduous.
Candy Canes
Everyone loves a good candy cane this time of year, but unfortunately, these red and white sticks of sugar can damage your prosthetics.
All it takes is trying to bite down onto one of these canes and suddenly, your dentures are chipped or cracked. While you might tell yourself that you won’t bite down, it’s often hard not to, which is why dentists recommend that you shy away from them if at all possible.
Tough Meats
Attempting to bite down on a hard cut of meat might find you struggling to keep your dentures in while you eat. Although turkey and ham are often the most common proteins found on the holiday table, other options may be tougher to chew through.
As a result, you may find that your prosthetic teeth slip and even fall out. Denture adhesive can be used to help hold them in place but depending on the denseness of the meat, this may not prove to be successful.
Cutting up your food into smaller pieces and staying away from harder, chewier treats will leave you with dentures that do not budge throughout the holidays. Not only will this keep you from having to visit an emergency dentist this time of year, but you’ll also get to spend more time enjoying friends and family.
About the Authors
Dr. Aaron Swingdorf is a skilled and trusted dentist in Chaska who delivers beautiful results to patients suffering from tooth loss. Providing customized dentures that are designed to boost confidence and improve oral function, he and our team at Chaska Dental Center can offer helpful tips to keep these teeth firmly in place year-round. If you are preparing for the holidays and want to ensure your dentures don’t slip, contact us at (952) 448-4151 or visit our website to learn more.
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