Christmas dinner is the centrepiece of the holiday season for many families, and if you’re eating with dentures this Christmas, there are a few things you can do to help make sure you enjoy your meal just as much as everyone else at the table.
First of all, take full advantage of the unique opportunity Christmas dinner gives you to gauge the health of your teeth, jaw and mouth in general.
With so many different tastes and textures on the table, it’s an excellent workout for your mouth and can help you to spot if your old dentures are starting to slip or if you have lost some bone mass in your jaw.
If eating is uncomfortable, make a New Year’s resolution to get your teeth seen to in January, so this is your last Christmas of struggling through three courses.
Best dentures for Christmas dinner
There are a couple of different options when it comes to choosing the best dentures for Christmas dinner.
Implant retained dentures are held in place using implants that screw directly into your jaw, so they can stay in their position throughout your meal.
Alternatively, flexible dentures are another option. They tend to be more slimline than metal dentures, leaving more of your palate accessible to help you taste and enjoy your food.
Some people find flexible dentures easier to chew with too, so if you’ve never considered them before, they might be worth a look.
Best Christmas foods for dentures
Dry crunchy snacks, acidic condiments and chewy toffees are all no friends to denture wearers.
Luckily on the main Christmas dinner, there’s usually plenty of soft vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy to help lubricate your palate.
Take your time, chew carefully and well before swallowing, and don’t force yourself to clear your plate – there’ll be plenty of leftovers if you get hungry again later.
Christmas dinner denture care
Finally, give extra attention to denture care over the Christmas period, when you’re likely to be eating and drinking a wider variety of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
Stick to your regular denture cleaning routine, and don’t be afraid to clean them more often or to swish some clean water or mouthwash around your gums at intervals throughout the day.
You still want to enjoy the festive season, so don’t feel like you have to refuse every treat that’s offered to you – just keep denture care in mind and you can make smart choices that will keep your dentures in good condition into the new year.
