If multiple of your teeth have decayed or become damaged in some way and you are looking for a way to replace them, dentures are the perfect option for you. According to the American College of Prosthodontics, about 40 percent of the American population is losing all their teeth, which is quite a big figure. Missing teeth can affect the way you talk, eat, and laugh.
Dentures are an effective dental procedure, helping not only to boost your smile but to restore much of your mouth’s lost functionality. However, most people do not know that dentures can affect the body’s overall nutrition. If you are considering dentures, be sure to ask your cosmetic dentist in Fresno, CA, about the nutrition issues.
The link between dentures and chewing force
Traditional or temporary dentures are removable dental equipment that helps you speak and eat properly when you have lost multiple teeth. They are held in place with gum-colored adhesive and obtain support through the gums. The better these dentures fit in your mouth, the better they are able to perform their functions. When your dentures are placed and fixed at the right place and angle, they act just like your natural teeth.
However, problems may arise when they become loose and shift from their place. Since temporary or traditional dentures are removable and not affixed to your mouth, they can easily move when you speak, chew, or eat. Due to this factor, you may be unable to chew and eat various foods, like chewy meats, fruits, vegetables, bread, potatoes, etc.
Tips for eating with dentures successfully
- It is often a good idea to take time with your meals and chew them slowly and thoroughly. Eating and chewing too fast can shift your dentures from their position.
- Cut your food into small pieces so your jaw requires less power to chew and eat them.
- Drink beverages with your meals to easily chew the food and swallow them.
- It is recommended to chew on both sides of your mouth evenly.
- Avoid tough meats like red meat and stick to softer ones like eggs, poultry, fish, and legumes.
- Stay away from chewy food items like sugary candies, taffy, caramel, peanut butter, etc., that stick to your teeth and are harder to clean.
If you are worried about not getting enough nutrients because of dentures, you need not be. You can still eat all the essential food with a little extra planning.