Eating Healthy With Dentures

After getting dentures, your diet might change slightly. That is not unusual, of course.

However, knowing the right foods to eat can help you make healthier choices. Keep reading to learn more about the right foods to eat when you have dentures.

Why dentures might cause unhealthy eating habits

There are a couple of issues patients might face when eating with dentures. It is harder to taste foods, and chewing is more complicated. With dentures, chewing is often not as efficient. It is more difficult to chew and taste, even with a good fit. That makes it harder to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Patients might find it easier to choose foods higher in salt and sugar.

When the patient loses the sense of taste, the issue is often worse. There are often denture plates in the upper portion of the mouth. That is critical in tasting foods, and with less taste, the patient might not want to eat a wide variety of foods. Some patients lack the motivation to cook when it is hard to taste the food.

Choosing the right diet

Patients will need to have a wide variety of foods with many nutrients in them. It is critical to have enough iron and protein and not as many carbohydrates. Still, many low-carb diets do not offer enough fiber, and some cause high cholesterol levels. To eat healthier, it is essential to have beans, lentils, and other protein sources.

Cooking foods such as vegetables and fruits might release some of their nutrients. With the right ones, it is possible to have a balanced diet, even without natural products. Mediterranean foods are great for those who want to lose weight. These foods are relatively soft, as well.

Alternatives to common foods

It is often more challenging to eat crunchy or hard foods. For example, it can be challenging to eat popcorn because the bits can get stuck under the dentures. That results in irritation. Plus, the dentures might break if there is a hard kernel.

Still, there are some things patients can eat instead. That includes veggie straws and chips. These are healthy and taste delicious. Plus, it is easy to chew them with dentures on. Still, patients will need to have more water to prevent the mouth from drying out.

Trail mix is another thing that is often difficult to chew with dentures on. It is a popular snack outside, and there are many varieties. However, the seeds and nuts might get stuck under the teeth, resulting in irritation. Plus, chewing often happens on only one side of the mouth, causing the dentures to loosen. Olives, grapes, and berries are all great alternatives. These foods are softer.

Have a healthy diet

Eating the right foods is often critical to helping you keep the dentures in good condition. Your dentist is a great source of information on the right way to eat using dentures. That way, you can have a healthier diet. Making an appointment today is the first step.

Request an appointment or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at 602-547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.