The holidays are a time for delicious meals, festive gatherings, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy your favorite seasonal treats. But if you wear full or partial dentures, some holiday foods can pose challenges—potentially leading to discomfort, damage, or even an urgent trip to the dentist. Knowing which foods to avoid can help you enjoy the season with confidence and keep your dentures safe and secure.
Hard or Crunchy Foods
Classic holiday snacks like mixed nuts, peanut brittle, and hard candies can put too much pressure on dentures. These foods require strong biting force, which can cause dentures to shift or crack. Even small hard items, such as unpopped popcorn kernels, can become trapped under the denture and irritate your gums. If you’re craving something crunchy, choose softer alternatives like roasted chickpeas or thin crackers that are easier on your restoration.
Sticky or Chewy Treats
Sticky sweets are everywhere during the holiday season—from caramel-covered desserts to sticky toffees and gummies. Unfortunately, these foods can cling to dentures, pulling them out of place or damaging the material. Chewy breads, like certain holiday rolls or bagels, can also create difficulty by sticking to the teeth and making the dentures shift. Opt for softer desserts and breads that won’t compromise the fit of your dentures.
Tough Meats and Roasted Proteins
Turkey and ham are staples at most holiday dinners, but the tougher cuts or overcooked pieces can be difficult to chew with dentures. Tugging or tearing at meat increases the risk of destabilizing your dentures or causing sore spots on your gums. To enjoy your meal without discomfort, choose tender cuts, moist preparations, or slow-cooked options that require minimal chewing.
Hard Vegetables and Raw Produce
Vegetable platters filled with raw carrots, celery, and broccoli are common at gatherings. However, these crunchy vegetables can be challenging for denture wearers since they require a strong bite. If you enjoy veggies, consider cooked versions instead—steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or soft holiday casseroles are all denture-friendly choices.
Foods with Small Seeds
Certain holiday treats, like poppy seed breads, berry pies, or seeded crackers, contain tiny seeds that can easily get trapped under dentures. These seeds not only cause irritation but can also make the dentures shift around while you chew. Choosing seed-free versions of your favorite foods can help you avoid discomfort and protect your gum health.
Sticky or Hard Desserts
Seasonal pies with tough crusts, brittle toppings, or sticky fillings can pose similar risks. A hard pie crust may require more biting force than dentures can comfortably handle. Instead, look for desserts with softer textures like pumpkin pie, custards, bread pudding, or mousse-based treats.
With a few mindful choices, you can enjoy the holidays without putting your dentures at risk.
About the Practice
At Michel Dental, patients receive compassionate care and long-lasting tooth replacement solutions, including high-quality full and partial dentures. Dr. Michael Michel and Dr. Michael Weber are dedicated to helping you achieve your best smile yet. With a focus on comfort and function, our experienced team provides guidance to help denture wearers enjoy life—including holiday meals—with confidence.
Call us at (785) 273-0801 or request an appointment online.