Dentures can restore your smile, improve your ability to speak, and help you enjoy many of your favorite foods again. However, they can also influence your eating habits, especially when you’re first adjusting to them. If dentures don’t fit properly or you’re avoiding certain foods because they’re difficult to chew, your nutrition may be affected.
The good news is that with well-fitting dentures and a balanced diet, you can continue to enjoy healthy meals and maintain good nutrition.
Why Dentures Can Change the Way You Eat
Even the best-fitting dentures don’t function exactly like natural teeth. They provide significantly less chewing force, which can make it more challenging to eat foods that are hard, crunchy, or chewy.
As a result, some denture wearers begin avoiding nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, apples, nuts, lean meats, and whole grains. Over time, replacing these foods with softer, more processed options can reduce your intake of important vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber.
The adjustment period after receiving new dentures may also temporarily affect your appetite as you become accustomed to eating with them.
Tips for Maintaining Good Nutrition
The key is choosing foods that are both nutritious and easier to chew. Cooked vegetables, soft fruits, eggs, yogurt, fish, beans, oatmeal, and tender meats are excellent options that provide essential nutrients without placing excessive strain on your dentures.
Cutting food into smaller pieces and chewing slowly using both sides of your mouth can also improve comfort and stability while eating.
As you gain confidence with your dentures, you may gradually be able to add a wider variety of foods back into your diet.
Properly Fitting Dentures Make a Difference
Loose or poorly fitting dentures can make eating uncomfortable and discourage healthy food choices. They may also create sore spots, slip while chewing, or reduce your confidence during meals.
If your dentures no longer fit comfortably, don’t assume it’s just part of getting older. Changes in your jawbone naturally occur over time, and your dentures may need to be adjusted, relined, or replaced to restore a secure fit.
For some patients, implant-supported dentures provide additional stability, making it easier to enjoy a wider range of healthy foods.
Good nutrition and good oral health go hand in hand. A balanced diet supports healthy gums, strengthens your immune system, and contributes to your overall well-being. If you’re finding it difficult to eat nutritious foods because of your dentures, schedule a visit with your dentist. They can evaluate the fit of your dentures and recommend solutions to improve your comfort and chewing ability.
About the Practice
Did you know that 35 million Americans don’t have any remaining teeth? If your quality of life has suffered from lack of confidence or the inability to enjoy your favorite foods or speak clearly, we have a solution: dentures. This tried-and-true restoration is not only one of the most sought-after tooth replacement options, but also one of the most affordable. If you’re ready to take back your smile and transform your life, book an appointment online or call our Marlton office at (856) 983-4846.