Dentures & Low Calorie Foods

Dentures are one of the common causes of unintentional weight loss in older populations due to the inability to properly chew and consume foods. The reverse of this is also true. Denture use can lead to weight gain if denture wearers choose high-calorie foods that are easy to bite and chew over low calorie fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Significance

Because of chewing difficulties, denture wearers may be at a nutritional disadvantage, according to the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Many low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables can be difficult to bite and chew, especially for those who are new to dentures, or whose dentures aren't fitted comfortable. Most dental professionals include nutritional counseling as part of denture therapy, but it can take months before users adjust to their new dentures --- sufficient time to develop poor eating habits that stick.

Dangers

Denture wearers who subsist primarily on processed, soft foods are more likely to consume high quantities of sodium, sugar and saturated fat while consuming decreased amounts of vitamins and minerals. Nutrient deficiencies complicate pre-existing health conditions and weaken your immune system and bones, among other body systems. High-sodium, high-fat diets are associated with an increase risk of stroke and heart disease. Heart disease and stroke risk also increases with age, further increasing the risks poor diet poses to aging denture wearers.

Denture Care

Dentures need to be readjusted regularly to compensate for changes in your mouth, like shrinking bone, eroding gums and movement by your remaining teeth. Dentures that initially fit well can become loose or unstable in a short time if there are significant changes to your mouth and jaw. Dentures must also be replaced when they age or become damaged. Regular denture care will help increase the range of foods you can comfortably bite and chew.

Food Choice and Perparation

Low calorie foods can be prepared so they're softer and easier to bite and chew. Apples, for example, can be sliced instead of eaten whole from the core. Try steaming vegetables that you find difficult to bite or chew. Choose low-sodium canned vegetables if fresh aren't available, as they tend to be softer. Cut raw fruits and vegetables into small pieces. Make sure you take small bites of any food you're eating, but especially hard or large foods. Make purees of hard root vegetables or drink fresh fruits and greens in blended smoothies.

Time Frame

Dentures take time to get used to. A 2003 study published in the "International Journal of Prosthodontics" found that those who ate fewer difficult-to-chew foods because of their dentures increased their difficult foods intake after a seven-month adjustment and healing period. During the initial seven-month period, study participants were still able to eat hard-to-chew foods at least six times per week. This indicates that even as users adapt to their new dentures, they're still able to occasionally consume more low-calorie, high-nutrient foods. It also indicated that eating these foods is a skill denture wearers need to practice.