When you are missing teeth, it can significantly impair their capacity to eat the things that you love. There are far fewer foods you’ll be able to eat without the full use of your teeth, which can have an impact not only on your nutrition, but on how much you can enjoy your meals.
That’s why, when patients get dentures, they’re often excited by the prospect of being able to eat more foods than they could before. If you’re curious, here’s what you should know about how dentures may affect your nutrition.
Will Dentures Affect What I Can Eat?
Unlike many other methods of tooth replacement, traditional dentures are adhered to the mouth entirely via suction. This makes them ideal for patients who don’t have teeth attach bridges to, or who are put off by the prospect of dental implant surgery. However, this means that dentures may also have limited bite strength when compared to these alternatives.
Recent research from the Regenstrief and IU School of Dentistry Dental Informatics program has shown that wearing these prosthetics has an impact on what foods you’re going to be able to eat, leading to a corresponding dip in key nutrition indicators. This is something that both dentists and patients should be aware of when working with dentures.
Replacing Teeth & Staying Healthy
If you have dentures, you may therefore want to think a little bit about your nutrition so that you can retain your health. Soft, nutritious foods are your best friend here— eggs, yoghurt, and tender meats can all be smart ways to get the vitamins and minerals you need while you have a prosthetic.
If you’re interested in a stronger bite, you might also want to look into implant dentures. This involves taking dentures and connecting them to thin metal posts that are surgically implanted into the jaw. These give you the same coverage that you would be used to getting from your traditional prosthetic, but with the additional stability that comes from dental implants. Talk to your dentist, and they’ll be happy to discuss your prosthetic options with you.
About the Author
Dr. Dustin Lively knows that dentistry is about more than just teeth; it touches every part of a person’s life. That’s why he offers his patients truly comprehensive care, getting to know them as unique individuals and ensuring that their dental restorations fit their unique needs. Dr. Lively received his dental care from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He is also enrolled in continuing education at the Misch Implant Institute and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
If you have any questions about dentures, he can be reached at our website or by phone at (580) 782-2552.