An Inside Look at the Link Between Dentures and Nutrition

Currently, there are about 178 million Americans who are struggling with tooth loss. To restore their bite and smile, patients often opt for dentures, which are a tried-and-true tooth-replacement option. Plus, they have a lower upfront cost, are incredibly versatile, and are more lifelike than ever before. But can they negatively impact your nutrition? To learn the answer, read on!

What’s the Connection Between Dentures and Nutrition?

Fortunately, there has been some research on the link between dentures and nutrition, giving patients and dentists alike valuable insight into the connection between the two. In one landmark study, a research team looked at the blood count, metabolic profile, and other information of over 10,000 patients. The results showed that people with dentures had a significant decline in nutrition over the course of those two years. While other factors need to be accounted for, like insurance status, there does seem to be a strong link between dentures and nutrition.

A Deeper Look at Why Dentures Impact Your Nutrition

Ultimately, the connection comes down to one important factor: bite force. Although dentures are crafted from high-quality materials, they rest against your gums for support. As a result, they only give you about 25% of your original bite force. This decline makes it difficult to break down your food properly, which can result in indigestion and malnutrition. There’s also a good chance you won’t be able to eat a varied diet, leading to the same outcome.

So, What’s the Solution?

The good news is that there is another tooth-replacement solution: dental implants. This state-of-the-art option is the only one that is inserted directly into your jawbone. Not only does this approach prevent bone loss, but it also adds the stability needed to improve your bite force. If that wasn’t reason enough to switch, they also are custom-made, extremely lifelike, and can last for 30+ years with proper care. So, while the upfront cost may be higher than dentures, they may end up being the most cost-effective solution in the long run.

Dentures have come a long way in recent decades, making them more lifelike than ever before. If you’re struggling with a weak bite, however, then it’s worth getting in touch with your dentist to discuss your treatment options.

About the Practice

Ralph Avenue Dental Care is home to general dentists, endodontists, periodontists, and an orthodontist, ensuring your smile needs are always covered at our office. Plus, our bilingual team is available for morning, lunchtime, evening, and weekend hours, making it more convenient than ever to schedule your appointment. If you are struggling with tooth loss or have dentures and are interested in making a switch, then we encourage you to get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (718) 531-0300 to find out if dental implants are right for you.