Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food. But if you're a denture wearer, you may be worried about potential problems. After all, there are a lot of tempting foods on the Thanksgiving table that can be hard to eat.
Smile Stop Dentures & Implants wants you to enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday. Follow our guide for getting the most out of your holiday season.
Here are some tips on how to avoid denture problems on Thanksgiving:
1. Be careful with hard and chewy foods. Hard and chewy foods, such as turkey legs, candy, and nuts, can cause denture problems. If you want to eat these foods, cut them into small pieces and chew them slowly. You may also want to use an adhesive to help keep them in place.
Here are some examples of hard and chewy foods to avoid:
Turkey legs
Candy
Nuts
Hard fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and celery
Tough meats, such as steak and brisket
Chewy breads and pastries
2. Avoid sticky foods. Sticky foods, such as mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce, can get stuck in your dentures and cause discomfort. If you do eat sticky foods, be sure to brush them and your gums thoroughly after eating.
Here are some examples of sticky foods to avoid:
Mashed potatoes
Gravy
Cranberry sauce
Caramels
Toffee
Taffy
Honey
Maple syrup
3. Cut your food into small pieces. This will make it easier to chew and less likely to cause damage. It also helps to keep your them clean and free of food particles. Cutting food into small pieces is also considered good manners making this a smart choice for everyone.
4. Chew slowly and carefully. Don't rush when you're eating. Take your time and chew each bite thoroughly. This will help to prevent your dentures from slipping or falling out. It also helps to reduce the stress on your gums and jawbone.
5. Avoid hot and cold foods. Extreme temperatures can cause your dentures to expand or contract, which can lead to discomfort or damage. If you do eat hot or cold foods, let them cool down slightly before eating them.
It is also important to avoid hot and cold foods because they can irritate your gums. Use this opportunity to join in on the Thanksgiving table discussions that are taking place.
6. Take breaks. Don't eat for long periods of time without taking a break. This will give your dentures a chance to rest and can help to prevent discomfort. It is also a good time to brush.
7. Clean your dentures regularly. It's important to clean your dentures regularly, especially after eating. This will help to remove food particles and plaque, and it can help to prevent potential problems.
Here are some additional tips to consider on Thanksgiving:
Choose soft foods. Soft foods, such as turkey breast, mashed potatoes, and gravy, are easier to eat with dentures.
Drink plenty of water. This will help to keep your mouth moist and prevent your dentures from drying out.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol and tobacco can dry out your mouth and irritate your gums.
See your dentist regularly. It's important to see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This will help to ensure that your dentures fit properly and are in good condition.
If you do experience denture problems on Thanksgiving, don't panic. There are a few things you can do to fix the problem:
If your dentures slip or fall out: Rinse your them and your mouth with water. Then, gently reinsert your dentures. If you're having trouble reinserting your them, try using a denture adhesive.
If your dentures are damaged, such as cracked, chipped, or broken, don't try to fix them yourself. Take them to your dentist for repair.
If you're experiencing pain: If you're experiencing pain, contact your dentist immediately.
By following these tips, you can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner without having to worry about denture problems.
If you experience problems with your dentures, contact Smile Stop Dentures & Implants.
Call today for a free consultation!
918-446-0128 (Tulsa)
918-331-2221 (Bartlesville)
TULSA OFFICE
Wes Thompson, DDS
5676 W Skelly Drive, Suite A Tulsa, OK. 74107 (918) 446-0128
BARTLESVILLE OFFICE
John Lard, DDS
1820 SE Washington Blvd Bartlesville, OK 74006
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