For adults who wear dentures, many feel their ability to bite and chew comfortably and securely is the most difficult part. When chewing, dentures tend to slip and move, causing discomfort. When food particles (such as berry seeds or pieces of nuts) become trapped underneath the denture, they can pierce tender gum tissues. This can cause denture wearers to avoid these foods altogether along with other foods that require rigorous chewing. The tendency is to select soft foods that dissolve easily in the mouth, bypassing protein rich meats, fibrous fresh fruits and vegetables, and others that supply ample vitamins and minerals.
Teeth are a major part of the digestion process, which begins in the mouth. When chewed food is ground into fine particles, digestive juices can break food down for more efficient processing by the body. Digestion begins with chewing as saliva mixes in during the process. Saliva contains an enzyme that converts some of the starches to sugar.
After chewing and swallowing, food travels down the esophagus and into the stomach where gastric juice in the stomach starts protein digestion. However, when food is not processed thoroughly in the mouth through chewing, the digestion process is compromised. It is a fact that denture wearers have more gastrointestinal problems and take more drugs than adults who have natural teeth.
One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is their ability to restore biting and chewing strength and stability. Our dental implant patients are thrilled to resume a diet of healthy foods they love since they feel confident and comfortable eating again.
If you wear dentures and would like to discuss dental implants, call toll free 1-866-9-Smiles to request a free consultation. I’ll be happy to answer your questions and explain all your options.
