If you wear dentures, you already know how life-changing they can be — they restore your ability to smile, speak, and eat comfortably again. But did you know that dentures can also affect your nutrition? Research suggests that people who wear traditional dentures may have difficulty eating certain foods, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies over time. Understanding this connection can help you make informed choices about your oral health and overall well-being.
How Dentures Influence What You Eat
Dentures are designed to replace missing teeth and restore your bite, but they don’t always function like natural teeth. Because dentures rest on the gums rather than being anchored into the jaw, they can shift slightly when you chew. This can make it harder to bite into or grind up tougher foods, like fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.
As a result, many denture wearers tend to avoid foods that are harder to chew and instead choose softer, more processed options. While easier to eat, these foods often contain fewer vitamins, minerals, and fiber — key components of a balanced diet. Over time, this can impact energy levels, digestion, and overall health.
The Link Between Dentures and Nutrition
Several studies have shown a connection between denture use and reduced nutritional intake. People who wear full dentures often consume fewer calories and less protein, vitamin C, and folate than those with natural teeth or dental implants. This can affect everything from immune function to muscle maintenance, especially in older adults.
In addition, dentures can sometimes decrease your sense of taste or make certain foods less enjoyable, which may lead to reduced appetite. Combined with difficulty chewing, these challenges can subtly shift eating habits in ways that limit the variety of foods in your diet.
How Implant Dentures Can Help
Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a solution that can help improve both comfort and nutrition: implant-supported dentures. Instead of resting on the gums, these dentures attach to small titanium posts placed in the jawbone. This provides greater stability, bite strength, and chewing efficiency — much closer to what natural teeth offer.
With implant dentures, many patients find they can comfortably eat a wider range of nutritious foods, including crunchy vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. In turn, this can lead to better nutrient intake and overall health. Beyond the physical benefits, having dentures that feel secure and natural can also boost your confidence and enjoyment of meals.
If you’ve been struggling with your dentures or noticing changes in your diet, it might be worth exploring whether implant-supported dentures are right for you.
About the Practice
At Exceptional Dentistry and Sedation Center, our team of doctors specialize in advanced restorative options, including custom dentures and implant-supported restorations. We combine precision, comfort, and aesthetics to help every patient regain full function and confidence in their smile. To learn more about dentures and implant solutions, come see us!
Call us at (352) 332-6725 or request an appointment online.
