Some studies have suggested that, for some individuals, dentures may have an impact on nutrition. This is likely due to the fact that ill-fitting dentures may cause patients to have trouble chewing certain nutrient-rich foods. If denture-wearers avoid breads, meats, and vegetables that are necessary for maintaining good nutrition because they lack the ability to adequately chew, opting instead for foods that are higher in fat and lower in healthy ingredients, this can increase serious risks to their health and may even shorten their lifespan.
Poorly-fitting dentures can not only be uncomfortable—they can also cause decreased levels of saliva and difficulty chewing particular kinds of food. If this leads to an avoidance of the necessary intake of foods that can help an individual maintain a healthy diet, that individual may become malnourished. This is why it is very important for those who wear dentures to strictly follow dietary recommendations provided by their personal physician and/or their dentist following denture placement. Many nutrient-rich foods that may be difficult to chew for some patients—such as stringy meats, nuts, and certain types of fruits and vegetables—can still be part of a typical diet plan as long as certain preparations and precautions are taken to protect the denture and make the process of chewing easier, healthier, and more enjoyable.
It’s also important to make sure the denture is a proper fit. Dentures that are high quality and fit well can ultimately help patients more comfortably chew, which may reduce the desire to avoid the foods they need for adequate nutrition. In addition, many patients may be good candidates for alternative options to traditional dentures, such as implant-supported dentures, which can go a long way toward providing a more secure and stable foundation for the denture and dramatically improve chewing and basic denture functionality.
If you have more questions for our dentists in Salisbury about what you can do to ensure you are maintaining healthy nutrition while wearing dentures, please contact Delmarva Dental Services today.