If you're one of the millions of Americans who wear dentures, you know how important it is to maintain good oral health. Eating the right foods is essential for keeping the prosthetic devices in good condition and ensuring you get the nutrients you need. What you may not be aware of is that this dental solution can also play a major role in your overall diet. Here's a closer look at the correlation and what you can do.

How Dentures Impact Your Diet

Many people who wear dentures have trouble chewing their food properly until they get used to them, which can lead to difficulty digesting food. Additionally, some people might avoid certain foods altogether because they're difficult to eat. This avoidance can result in an incomplete diet and a lack of essential nutrients. Finally, related problems like gum disease can have a similar effect, causing some to eat more poorly than they should. 

How a Poor Diet Can Affect Your Health

There are several risks associated with a poor diet for people who wear these devices. These include an increased risk of gum disease, infection, and the decay of remaining natural teeth. Additionally, a poor diet can lead to malnutrition, which can cause major systemic health problems, including weakness, fatigue, and anemia.

When food is swallowed without being chewed properly, it can lead to increased acidity in the stomach or gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD. Cramps, stomach pain, constipation, and ulcers are also more common because the body can't adequately digest food.

How to Maximize Denture Function and Diet

If you have trouble chewing or digesting food, there are a few ways to improve the situation. First, make sure your dentures fit properly. Ill-fitting devices can cause a number of problems, including difficulty chewing and digesting food. If you feel they don't fit well, talk to your dentist about getting them adjusted or replaced.

It's important to be aware of these potential problems, pay extra attention to what you eat, and take steps to ensure you're getting the nutrition you need. This means eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A healthy diet helps reduce the risk of gum disease and other problems associated with poor oral health.

Additionally, you can try softened or pureed foods, which are easier to chew. A daily multivitamin can help you get the nutrients you need.

Learn to live a healthy, happy life with dentures by consulting with the experts at Flathead Denture of Columbia Falls, MT. These denture care professionals have served the area since 2012, providing state-of-the-art care and compassionate service. Visit the website to learn more about their services, or call (406) 892-0700 to schedule an appointment.