Missing teeth can impact much more than your oral health. Not only does it erode your jawbone, which can cause additional tooth loss, but it also makes basic tasks like smiling, eating, and speaking much more challenging. Thankfully, your dentist can rebuild your grin with dentures so that you can once again enunciate different sounds and words and enjoy your favorite meals.
However, researchers have learned that although these prosthetics can restore your ability to chew more normally, many patients experience a decline in their nutritional intake. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Prosthodontics reported that people who have had traditional dentures for two years experienced a significant decline in certain nutrition markers.
The good news is that with the right knowledge and habits, this decline can be mitigated. Continue reading to learn more about why this happens and why it’s important to watch what you eat with dentures!
How Do Dentures Impact My Diet?
Your teeth are responsible for mashing up your food sufficiently enough to be easily swallowed and digested. When one or more fall out, you could develop gastrointestinal issues because you’re unable to sufficiently break down the ingredients. You could also become malnourished if you stick to soft foods that are easier to swallow because many key vitamins and minerals are only found in various fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
Dentures are intended to restore both your smile’s appearance and functionality, but it’s important to be aware that they have limitations. They’re typically made from an acrylic base that contains ceramic pontics (artificial teeth) that form a tight suction against the ridges of your gums to remain in place. Because they’re not permanently anchored, they only restore about 20% to 25% of your original bite force.
While they do allow you to enjoy a wider variety of foods, there are plenty of restrictions. For example, you should steer clear of anything overly hard, crunchy, sticky, or sugary to avoid damaging or dislodging them. These culprits can abrade the surface or yank them out of place.
What Healthy Foods Can I Eat with Dentures?
It’s still possible to consume a wholesome diet with your dentures, but you may have to make some adjustments to your menu. Some nutrient-rich foods that you can safely enjoy include:
- Eggs
- Broiled fish
- Yogurt and cottage cheese
- Applesauce
- Meatloaf
- Soft fruits like bananas, melons, and berries
- Steamed, grilled, or boiled vegetables
- Oatmeal
- Pasta
- Rice
- Potatoes
You can often enjoy other foods, too, but might have to cut them into small pieces to be able to pulverize them with your restoration. For example, you can indulge in a juicy steak but will need to nibble it one tiny bite at a time.
Now that you know more about nutrition with dentures, you can make conscientious decisions to prevent potential malnourishment!
About the Practice
At Canyon Creek Family Dentistry of Richardson, people of all ages benefit from two dentists who offer a full array of services under one roof. Their #1 goal is to ensure that you and your family enjoy a stress-free experience, so they take the time to get to know your unique medical history and dental goals. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art technology to provide fully individualized treatment plans to meet them. They’re happy to restore your grin after tooth loss and can provide lifelike dentures so that you can smile, speak, and eat more like you’re used to. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (972) 644-3800.