How Does Wearing Dentures Impact My Overall Nutrition?

Dentures provide an excellent way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with renewed confidence. They can improve your eating experience and help you enjoy a nutritious diet essential for both oral and overall health. However, wearing dentures may still impact how you eat. Read on to find out how they can affect your eating habits and learn helpful tips for maintaining a balanced diet while wearing them.

How Dentures & Nutrition are Linked

Wearing dentures can influence your nutrition by making it more difficult to chew certain foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, which are vital sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Hard or sticky items like nuts, popcorn, and chewing gum can damage dentures or cause discomfort.

If dentures interfere with your ability to properly chew these nutrient-rich foods, it may result in reduced nutrient intake and potential deficiencies. Additionally, dentures may not break down food as efficiently as natural teeth, leading to swallowing larger pieces. This can cause digestive issues like indigestion or heartburn and impact your overall digestive health.

When eating with dentures, start with soft foods and gradually introduce firmer items as you adjust. Chew slowly and use both sides of your mouth to evenly distribute pressure, helping to prevent dentures from shifting. Cutting food into small pieces can also make it easier and more comfortable to eat.

How Dental Implants Can Help

Dental implants provide a durable, long-term option for replacing missing teeth or stabilizing loose dentures. Crafted from titanium, these implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, where they bond with the bone in a process known as osseointegration. This connection forms a solid, lasting base that mirrors the strength and stability of natural teeth.

With proper maintenance, implants can last a lifetime, offering a reliable, natural-feeling solution. Once integrated, they act as a firm anchor for dentures, significantly enhancing your ability to speak, eat, and smile with confidence.

Implant-supported dentures provide the stability needed to enjoy a diverse range of foods, making it easier to maintain a nutritious and well-balanced diet. This helps ensure you get the vital nutrients necessary to keep your smile strong and healthy for the long term.

Whether you have traditional dentures or implant-supported ones, you can still enjoy a varied and nutritious diet with the right approach. By adjusting your eating habits and choosing denture-friendly foods, maintaining a balanced and enjoyable diet is entirely possible.

About the Practice

At Arbor Dental Care in Lisle, Dr. Jeanelle “Nellie” Marchese and Dr. Frank Marchese are dedicated to providing top-quality, personalized dental care. With a strong focus on patient wellness, they go beyond creating beautiful smiles to ensure your overall oral health is at its best. Their wide range of services includes denture solutions designed to improve both the appearance and functionality of your smile, boosting your confidence and quality of life. To learn more about their denture options or to schedule a consultation, visit the Arbor Dental Care website or call (630) 969-2310.