Do Dentures Affect Your Nutrition?

When it comes to tooth loss, dentures are an incredibly popular way to replace them. These restorations have stood the test of time and are an easy way to fill in the gaps in one’s smile. They can replace several teeth, a whole arch, or an entire smile’s worth of pearly whites to help you regain both your confidence and some of your bite power. Though having dentures is better than leaving open spaces in your smile, these restorations can impact how much nutrition you get from your food. Read on to learn why this is and what you can do about it.

How Dentures & Nutrition are Linked

Traditional dentures are removable and can be taken out at the end of the day so you can clean them and let them soak overnight. The upper denture is held in place by suction, and the lower one is stabilized by muscle control. Additionally, many people use denture adhesive to keep them from moving around when they eat, speak, and laugh.

The lack of firm bonding without adhesive makes it difficult to get enough chewing to properly grind up food. For this reason, those who wear dentures often end up swallowing larger, undigested pieces of food that are difficult for the stomach to process. This can lead to a reduced intake of food groups like meat, veggies, and fruits, which can cause vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Those who wear traditional dentures sometimes suffer from mild to moderate malnutrition.

How Dental Implants Can Help

Fortunately, dental implants may be the solution you need. These titanium posts are inserted into the jawbone where they fuse with it through a process called osseointegration. This makes them permanent and incredibly stable.

Your dentist may be able to have a pair of dentures made for you that attach to dental implants. This will keep them from slipping around in your mouth, therefore making it easier for you to properly chew up your food. Doing so will make it easier for you to grind it into smaller pieces so you can digest it as intended and receive all the nutrients your body needs to remain healthy.

If you wear dentures and are concerned about receiving enough nutrition, speak with your dentist about having them attached to dental implants or getting a new set. This way, you can enjoy eating delicious foods as well as a stable, happy smile!

About the Practice

At Annigan Dental, Dr. Henry Hsue takes pride in administering exceptional care to his Bothell patients. He leads a team of talented, compassionate oral health professionals who work hard to ensure that you feel comfortable and well cared for from the moment you enter the office. If you are missing several or all of your teeth, they can discuss implant dentures with you to ensure that you’re able to receive the nutrition you need from your food. Ready to make an appointment or want more information? Call Annigan Dental’s office at (425) 492-6898 or visit their website to get started.