If you’re new to dentures—or even if you’ve been wearing them for years—knowing which foods to avoid can make a big difference in comfort, function, and the longevity of your appliance. While dentures are designed to help you eat confidently again, some foods can damage them, loosen their fit, or make eating unnecessarily difficult. To keep your dentures in top shape and protect your oral health, here are 4 foods you should avoid or enjoy with extra caution.
1. Sticky Candies and Chewy Treats
Foods like caramel, taffy, gummy candies, and chewy chocolate bars are some of the biggest offenders for denture wearers. Their sticky texture can pull dentures out of place, create a mess that’s hard to clean, and increase the risk of damaging the denture’s acrylic or metal components.
Additionally, these sugary treats cling to the denture surface, raising the risk of gum irritation and bacterial buildup. If you’re craving something sweet, opt for soft fruits, sugar-free pudding, or chocolate that melts easily instead.
2. Hard Nuts and Seeds
While nuts can be a healthy snack, they’re notoriously difficult to manage with dentures. Hard nuts and seeds require a strong bite, which can place too much pressure on your dentures and potentially cause cracks or fractures. Small seeds—such as those found in sesame buns or seeded berries—can also get trapped under your dentures, causing irritation and discomfort.
If you enjoy nuts, consider nut butters or chopped varieties that are easier to chew and gentler on your denture surfaces.
3. Tough or Crunchy Meats
Steak, jerky, and other tough meats can be difficult to bite and chew with dentures, especially if they require a lot of force to break down. This repeated pressure can cause sore spots, loosen your dentures, or make eating uncomfortable.
Opt for softer meat options like tender turkey, ground beef, shredded chicken, or slow-cooked cuts that are easier to manage. These alternatives provide the protein you need without putting stress on your smile.
4. Hard, Crunchy Snacks
Snacks like popcorn, hard pretzels, crusty bread, and corn nuts can chip dentures or get wedged underneath them. Popcorn, in particular, is known for its thin, sharp hulls, which can easily slip under your dentures and cause painful gum irritation.
Choose softer alternatives such as baked chips, soft crackers, or air-popped snacks that don’t pose a risk to your dental appliance.
Avoiding these foods—or finding safer alternatives—can help you enjoy meals more comfortably and keep your dentures in great condition. With a little caution, you can eat confidently and protect your smile every day.
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Pham’s dental career spans more than 10 years. She is a 2010 graduate of the Temple University School of Dentistry. Since graduating, she has advanced her education through numerous continuing education and postgraduate trainings, including at the renowned Las Vegas Institute. Dr. Pham stays current today through memberships in the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Virginia Dental Association. If you’re interested in dentures, schedule an appointment with us online or call (703) 666-3867.