As the holiday season approaches, eating habits tend to change dramatically. Treats and traditional fare are served by and enjoyed with the ones we love most. For someone using dentures, difficulties may arise when consuming certain foods and beverages due to minimal exposure in previous months. Before gathering around the table, here are a few things to consider for maintaining optimal dental health: Think Ahead If you’re new to using dentures or not confident in eating certain foods, make a list of these items and try to avoid them at your next holiday outing. Another option is to take a more involved role in planning the meal. Choose items that are easier for you to eat or volunteer to make your own dish to pass. This guarantees you a more comfortable eating experience. If a loved one is doing the majority of the cooking, request an item or alternate way of it being prepared to suit your needs. Steer Clear of Sugar Hard candy, sticky or chewy foods, and overly sugary drinks are high risk items that can cause denture damage or oral pain. Examples to avoid include candy canes, gumdrops, taffies, pies, cookies and eggnog. These suggestions can help deter dental issues, yet it is okay to lightly indulge your sweet tooth. If you do eat or drink some of these holiday staples, remember to take proper care of your dentures afterwards. Travel Care and Maintenance Though food and drink can catalyze dental issues throughout the holiday season, it’s important to remain conscious of oral care while traveling. An estimated 107.3 million Americans will depart to new destinations during these times, and in the shuffle, it’s easy to forget certain items. Prior to traveling, create a checklist of everything you’ll need to clean and maintain your dentures while you’re away from home. Regardless of duration, this is an extremely helpful tool to keep handy. For additional recommendations or suggestions on how to best take care of your dentures during the holiday season, contact the experts at Dentures Par Excellence for an appointment or consultation today. Oral hygiene instructions, denture adjustments, and repair or cleanings are just a call away at (309) 693-7200. Sources:

• https://www.mymunciedentalcare.com/dental-difficulties-on-the-holidays.html
• https://www.puredentistry.net/blog/traveling-and-oral-health-tooth-tips-for-the-holidays/
• https://blackdoctor.org/516417/7-golden-rules-for-clean-fresh-dentures/2/
• https://www.fastnewsmile.com/enjoy-your-thanksgiving-with-dental-implants/
• https://quaydental.com.au/eat-holiday-food-can-possibly-eat-guide-impactful-implants-dentures/