From feeling self-conscious about your smile to altering what you eat, missing teeth can have a significant impact on your daily life. Many people turn to traditional dentures as a solution, but they can limit your food options. Research suggests that these limitations might negatively affect your nutrition. Fortunately, dental implants offer an advanced alternative that could improve your diet and overall well-being. Read on to learn more!
How Do Dentures Affect Nutrition?
Traditional dentures have long been a common solution for tooth loss. These prosthetics mimic natural teeth and rest on the gums, offering an aesthetically pleasing and functional replacement. However, because they aren’t secured within the mouth, dentures have limitations when it comes to chewing force and range of motion.
Dentures primarily restore side-to-side chewing on the back teeth but lack the stability needed for grinding and tearing tougher foods. This means chewy meats, certain vegetables, and starchy foods can be difficult (or even impossible) to eat without risking dislodgement. As a result, many denture wearers avoid these foods or swallow larger, inadequately chewed pieces, which can affect digestion and overall nutrition.
Why Chewing Matters for Digestion
Chewing is the critical first step of digestion. It breaks food into smaller pieces, making it easier for stomach acids to process. Saliva also plays a role by releasing enzymes that start breaking down food molecules. When food isn’t properly chewed, digestion becomes less efficient, and the body absorbs fewer nutrients.
For denture wearers, swallowing improperly chewed food can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Over time, this may result in health complications, including vitamin and mineral deficiencies that impact energy levels, immunity, and overall health.
How Dental Implants Can Help
If you find it difficult to enjoy a balanced diet with traditional dentures, dental implants could be the solution you need. Implants provide a secure foundation by anchoring dentures to the jawbone, mimicking the stability of natural teeth. This enhanced support increases bite strength and allows for greater chewing efficiency, including the ability to tear and grind tougher foods.
With implant dentures, you can reintroduce a wide variety of foods into your diet, including crunchy vegetables, chewy proteins, and fibrous fruits. By restoring your ability to chew effectively, implants not only improve your eating experience but also help you maintain better overall nutrition.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan H. Cohen provides exceptional dental care using the latest technologies and techniques. Committed to excellence through advanced education, he offers comprehensive services at Julington Creek Family Dentistry. To learn more about how dentures can affect nutrition, visit our website or call (904) 527-7717.