What to Drink (and Avoid) When You Wear Dentures: A Guide for Optimal Oral Health

michaelgrishindent
Aug 14
4 min read

Updated: Sep 17

Assorted drinks, including Coca-Cola bottles and orange juices with ice and a slice, on a sunlit surface against a green background. — Drinks on a table

Whether you're new to dentures or you've been wearing them for years, a proper fit is essential for comfort, chewing, and even gum enjoyment. At Grishin Denture Specialist, we serve patients in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake, offering expert care and affordable dentures in Spokane tailored to your unique needs. If your dentures feel loose or shift while chewing, Denturist Michael Grishin—a trusted denturist near me—can assess your fit and recommend a reline, adjustment, or a brand-new set of dentures in Spokane.

Hydration and Dentures: Why the Right Beverages Matter

While food choices often dominate post-denture advice, beverages can have just as much impact on comfort, hygiene, and long-term wear. Understanding what to drink with dentures—and what to avoid—can help prevent staining, irritation, and even premature wear of your prosthetic.

Dentures, especially those made of acrylic, are porous. This means they can absorb pigments, acids, and sugars from drinks, which can cause stains, odor, and deterioration over time.

Best Drinks for Denture Wearers

1. Plain Water

Water is the best choice for denture wearers. It keeps the mouth hydrated, helps wash away food particles, and doesn't stain or damage dentures.

Fluoridated tap water helps maintain gum health and reduces bacterial buildup under dentures.
Rinsing with water after meals or beverages helps minimize plaque and staining.

The ADA recommends drinking water throughout the day to help reduce dry mouth and bacterial activity in denture wearers.

2. Milk and Unsweetened Plant-Based Alternatives

Milk is rich in calcium and phosphorus, supporting jawbone health. For those with dairy sensitivities, unsweetened almond or oat milk is a safe substitute.

Choose unsweetened versions to avoid added sugars that can lead to gum irritation.
Avoid “barista blends” that often contain thickening agents and sweeteners.

3. Herbal Teas (Non-Acidic and Non-Staining)

Teas like chamomile or ginger can be soothing and do not stain dentures like black or green tea.

Avoid citrus-based herbal teas like lemon or hibiscus, which are highly acidic.
Drink these lukewarm—extreme temperatures can warp or weaken denture materials over time.

Drinks to Limit or Avoid with Dentures

1. Alcohol and Dentures

While occasional alcoholic beverages may not pose a major threat, regular alcohol consumption can dry out the mouth and weaken denture adhesives.

Alcohol reduces saliva production, which leads to increased friction and sore spots.
Spirits like whiskey or vodka can alter the fit by causing tissue dehydration.

A study in Gerodontology found that alcohol consumption was linked to a 37% increase in denture-related stomatitis among older adults.

2. Soda with Dentures

Sodas, including sugar-free varieties, are highly acidic and can erode both natural tissue and the acrylic base of dentures.

Dark sodas (cola, root beer) stain dentures quickly due to caramel coloring.
Citrus sodas (lemon-lime, orange) have high citric acid content that weakens the denture base and irritates gums.

3. Coffee and Tea

Although coffee and tea are common, both are notorious for denture staining and mouth dehydration.

Black tea and coffee contain tannins that discolor the acrylic over time.
Adding milk may reduce acidity slightly, but rinsing with water after drinking is essential.

4. Fruit Juices

Even 100% natural juices—especially orange, grapefruit, and cranberry—contain high levels of natural acids and sugars.

Frequent juice consumption promotes plaque under dentures and increases yeast growth.
Juice should be diluted with water and consumed with a meal to reduce acidity.

Tips to Reduce Beverage Damage with Dentures

Use a straw: Reduces contact with front teeth and denture base.
Rinse after drinking: A quick rinse neutralizes acid and removes surface pigments.
Soak dentures overnight: Use an ADA-approved cleaner to remove beverage stains and biofilm.
Avoid sipping throughout the day: Continuous exposure to sugar and acid is worse than having a drink with meals.

Special Considerations for Partial Denture Wearers

Those with partial dentures should be especially mindful of sugary and acidic drinks, as these can also damage the remaining natural teeth.

Avoid carbonated energy drinks or sweetened sports drinks.
Use fluoride mouthwash or remineralizing gels to protect enamel around clasps and attachments.

Implant-Retained Dentures and Beverage Sensitivity

Implant-retained dentures provide superior stability, but they still require care regarding drink choices. Acidic drinks can irritate the soft tissue around implants, increasing the risk of peri-implant mucositis.

Patients with hybrid or fixed dentures should follow the same beverage precautions, as staining and tissue health are still at risk.

Conclusion

Orange canopy entrance with greenery and reserved parking sign. A sign reads "Orange Flag." Trees and glass doors in the background.

What you drink can be just as important as what you eat when it comes to maintaining your dentures and your overall oral health. Water, milk, and non-acidic herbal teas are excellent choices, while sodas, alcohol, and dark beverages should be limited or avoided to prevent staining, irritation, and long-term damage.

Whether you're new to dentures or you've been wearing them for years, a proper fit is essential for comfort, chewing, and even gum enjoyment. At Grishin Denture Specialist, we serve patients in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake, offering expert care and affordable dentures in Spokane tailored to your unique needs. If your dentures feel loose or shift while chewing—or if you’re unsure how your beverage habits may be affecting your denture health—Denturist Michael Grishin, a trusted denturist near me, can help you stay comfortable, confident, and fully informed.

Learn why seeing a denturist instead of a general dentist can give you a better fit, faster results, and more personalized denture care.

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