Table of contents
We all know that a diet high in nutritional value is essential for maintaining our health. This includes a diversity of good quality fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty of fibre and a source of lean dietary protein. Good health is also about avoiding certain foods like those high in sugar fats and salt, as well as sugary drinks and excessive alcohol. It should come as no surprise then to learn that your oral health is reliant on the same principles.i What is not commonly understood is the role good nutrition plays in the initial healing of your gums after tooth extraction, and the ongoing comfort and fit of your denture. In addition, we discuss the importance of maintaining proper hydration, essential for your health but also for sustaining good suction and therefore a well-fitting and functioning denture. While many denture wearers avoid certain foods which they deem denture unfriendly, there are ways to navigate your way to a nutrient rich diet and ultimately, a comfortable, snug fitting denture.
Why do some denture wearers find it difficult to get adequate nutrition?
Dentures are a wonderful substitute for missing teeth. As a new denture wearer, you may find your diet restricted in the initial stages of learning to eat with a denture. Even so there is no reason that once accustomed, you can’t enjoy a diverse diet just as you had with natural teeth. However, some adjustments may be necessary. Depending on the type of denture you have, some of your favourite foods may need to be prepared differently especially in the early stages. Apples for example may need to be enjoyed cut into smaller pieces rather than biting into the whole fruit for those with removable dentures. For further ideas on transitioning to normal healthy eating with new dentures can be found here ( Top 10 denture friendly foods and Can I eat with dentures?).
Managing your nutrition during the settling in phase of new dentures
You may experience a temporary loss of appetite after tooth extraction. Making food as appealing as possible with thoughtful presentation and variety can help stimulate your desire to eat. Food preparation may seem time consuming, however, the benefits are clearly worthwhile. Adopting a progressive approach to diet in the first few weeks of acquiring a new denture can reduce the number of adjustments needed. Beginning with soft foods, soups or smoothies for example then progressing to small bites of foods firmer in texture will allow your gums and tongue time to adjust to the change and avoid any unexpected trauma of biting down hard on your gums or dislodging the denture.
Is my diet a nourishing one?
We tend to cling to old habits like a pair of comfortable old shoes. Until they aren’t comfortable anymore. Dietary habits can be similar. Whether because of questionable food choices (a preference for highly processed but nutrition poor foods), or ignorance about proper nutrition, the consequences are the same – your oral health and the comfort and fit of your denture will be compromised. Researching nourishing diets and appealing recipes on the internet can be useful. Consulting a dietitian for a customised dietary plan is also a good option. It appears these days there is an app for everything. Dietary advice and monitoring software is only as far away as your smart phone, allowing you access to recipes, menus and the means of making sure you get the nutrients you need. Learn more about eating comfortably with dentures.
Why do I need regular denture consultations
Regular denture maintenance and good nutrition work in tandem to ensure your denture’s fit and comfort. Your denture must be well-fitting and comfortable to properly enjoy your food and maintain adequate nutrition. If you are new to dentures then a settling in period is to be expected until your tongue and jaw muscles learn to manage the foreign object in your mouth. Regular checks with your prosthetist will help with any adjustments that need to be made to optimise the denture’s fit. If you had an immediate denture fitted you can expect your gums to shrink as your mouth recovers from the extractions and swelling recedes. During this phase the denture will become loose, a situation your prosthetist will correct for you. This is important because if you are unable to eat a wide variety of foods your nutritional status will suffer.ii This could mean a drop in body weight which can affect the way your denture fits. But it may also mean you aren’t getting the vitamins and minerals you need to maintain bone and tissue health which will further exacerbate bone resorption, gum shrinkage and poor denture fit.iii Calcium is one of the major minerals needed to support strong bones and may be sourced from both plant and animal products. These include dairy products, leafy greens, seeds, nuts, sardines among other foods.iv
Are you drinking enough water?
Adequate water intake is necessary for all life. Denture wearers, especially the older ones among us, often suffer from a dry mouth, the result of less saliva production.v Saliva assists the suction necessary to hold your denture in place. Lack of saliva makes eating and speaking difficult and increases the chance of oral infections caused by denture friction on the gums. Dry mouth can be the result of simply not drinking enough water (our thirst response diminishes with agevi), medications, alcohol use or smoking. Modifying your lifestyle by ceasing to smoke or drink alcohol can help. In the case of medications causing your dry mouth, seek advice from your prosthetist or pharmacist about using saliva stimulants. Try taking regular sips of water to ease the dry mouth condition. Keeping a bottle of water handy will allow you to monitor your intake and remind you to drink more frequently. Learn more about managing denture discomfort.
A final word
A good diet is pivotal to optimal denture fit and comfort. Reviewing old food habits and finding out what a ‘nutritional diet’ is may require some effort but will pay off in the long term with better oral health. While eating may prove difficult when you’re first fitted with a new denture, careful food preparation can make the transition to normal eating a smooth one. Regular visits to your denture clinic will help keep your denture and mouth in optimal condition. Lastly, we emphasised that along with a nutritional diet, it’s crucial to keep hydrated to maintain the fit and comfort of your denture. Discover how your dentures can feel comfortable and natural.
References
i Najeeb S, Zafar MS, Khurshid Z, Zohaib S, Almas K. The Role of Nutrition in Periodontal Health: An Update. Nutrients. 2016 Aug 30;8(9):530. doi: 10.3390/nu8090530. PMID: 27589794; PMCID: PMC5037517.
ii Moynihan P, Varghese R. Impact of Wearing Dentures on Dietary Intake, Nutritional Status, and Eating: A Systematic Review. JDR Clin Trans Res. 2022 Oct;7(4):334-351. doi: 10.1177/23800844211026608. Epub 2021 Jul 2. PMID: 34210202.
iii Holly P. Kilim, MD and Harold Rosen, MD Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine July 2018, 85 (7) 543-550; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.85a.17106
iv Kerri-Ann Jennings, MS, RD and Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD — Updated on December 8, 2023
v https://sciencegate.blog/denture-wearers-dry-mouth-causes-effects-solutions/
vi Li S, Xiao X, Zhang X. Hydration Status in Older Adults: Current Knowledge and Future Challenges. Nutrients. 2023 Jun 2;15(11):2609. doi: 10.3390/nu15112609. PMID: 37299572; PMCID: PMC10255140.
Disclaimer – Always consult your oral health professional for expert advice about your unique personal situation. The information given here is of a general nature and for the purpose of education only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your oral health specialist
Northern Rivers Denture Clinic is located in the heart of Tweed Heads, southern Gold Coast. Finally have the smile you deserve with handcrafted, quality dentures.
