The holidays are some of the most exciting times of the year. All of life’s greatest joys are combined: food, family, and celebration.
Sadly, those with dentures are at risk of feeling that they can’t partake fully in the joyous experience of sharing a meal with loved ones. Fortunately, our expert staff at Heroes Dental, the Rio Grande Valley’s most trusted family dental professionals, are here to tell you that this is far from true.
If you have dentures, know that you can enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal without feeling as if you are putting yourself in any danger or discomfort. Everybody deserves a delicious and hearty holiday meal, regardless of their dental health.
Dentures 101
It is a common belief that only older adults have dentures but this is far from the truth. The reality is that almost everybody is at least a few life decisions or genetic processes away from being eligible for dentures.
Some of the reasons that one might lose or damage teeth – and subsequently need dentures – include:
- A dental disease
- Smoking or tobacco use of any sort
- Poor oral health
- Genetic predisposition
- Malnutrition
- Trauma
These factors are important to consider in the conversation on dentures. There are people of all ages, jobs, lifestyles, and hygienic habits who are proud owners of dentures.
And none of these people need to limit their pleasure on Thanksgiving because of a simple medical device.
Enjoying Your Thanksgiving with Dentures
Through our many years of experience, we have compiled a few of the best tips to prevent denture complications during your Thanksgiving feast. Follow these simple guidelines to have an outstanding time while still enjoying your favorite dishes:
1. Tiny Bites of Tiny Sizes
Cutting your food into smaller, more manageable sizes is doing a great service to yourself. This will minimize the risk of your dentures falling out of place. Additionally, be sure to chew thoroughly! This will also aid in your digestion and energy levels in the long run.
2. Opt for Softer Foods
If you often have the inclination towards harder, denser foods such as steaks or sturdy vegetables, this is something you will want to limit in order to make your Thanksgiving more manageable.
Softer dishes are just as delicious and nutritious. Opt for some beans, potatoes, bread, gravy, or fresh fruit juices. These will be just as filing with almost no complications.
3. Limit Your Sugar Intake
The effects of excessive sugar on the body and the dentures is a pain to deal with. Consuming sugary dishes on Thanksgiving day is a quick route towards denture damage and overall mouth pain. Of course, you do not have to restrict sugar intake in its entirety, rather, be intentional about after-care if you do consume sugar.
Following these three easy steps, you are guaranteed a joyful, painless Thanksgiving experience this year. If you are still unsure about which Thanksgiving practices are fit for you and your dentures, schedule a visit at Heroes Dental today for a dental checkup in which your specific needs can be discussed.