Dentures are a great tooth replacement option for many people. Not only do they look good, but they also restore a degree of functionality. Unfortunately, though, they are not perfect. They might negatively affect your ability to absorb all the nutrients your body needs in order to thrive. How can that happen, and what can you do about it? This blog post provides some practical information.
How Dentures Affect Nutrient Intake
There are at least two ways in which dentures can affect nutrition:
Reduced Chewing Force
One key issue is the reduction in chewing force. Natural teeth and their supporting structures are designed to exert a strong and efficient chewing motion, which helps break down food into smaller, more digestible pieces. Dentures, however, may provide only 25% of the chewing power of real teeth.
In turn, a reduced ability to chew might cause you to swallow larger chunks of food. Since digestion starts in the mouth, this can create a greater workload for the rest of your digestive tract. Your body may not be able to absorb nutrients from your foods as efficiently as it should.
Changes in Diet
As a result of reduced chewing efficiency, many denture wearers gravitate toward foods that are less nutrient-dense. Soft and highly processed foods are often easier to chew, but they tend to lack essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are necessary for a balanced diet. For instance, you might find yourself opting for white bread instead of whole-grain options or avoiding raw fruits and vegetables.
Upping Your Nutrient Intake
Even with dentures, it is possible to get all the nutrients your body needs! Here are some steps you can take that may increase the overall quality of your diet:
- Focus on nutrient-rich soft foods: Choose options like mashed sweet potatoes, avocados, oatmeal, well-cooked vegetables, and yogurt, which are both easy to chew and packed with essential nutrients.
- Cut harder foods into smaller pieces: Instead of avoiding fruits, vegetables, or lean meats, slice them into smaller chunks to make them easier to chew and digest.
- Add nutritional supplements: Speak with your healthcare provider or a dietitian about incorporating supplements to help bridge any dietary gaps caused by limited food choices.
- Consider upgrading to implant dentures: Implant dentures are anchored in the jawbone via prosthetic tooth roots. Their chewing force can be almost equal to that of natural teeth, so you should be able to eat a varied and nutrient-rich diet without difficulty. Your dentist can let you know whether you are a good candidate for them.
A balanced and nutritious diet can help you feel your best and lower your risk of numerous diseases. As a denture wearer, you may need to make adjustments to your routine so you can get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive.
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group, we work under the guidance of a large team of general dentists and specialists. We provide a comprehensive range of services, including traditional dentures, implant dentures, and more. If you would like tips on how to get the most out of your prosthetic teeth, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our Woodbridge location at 203-409-2535.