It’s not uncommon for seniors to wear full or partial dentures, and while dentures are relatively easy to adjust to, there are certain foods denture wearers should avoid at all costs. If your senior loved one has dentures, advise him or her to eliminate these foods from his or her diet.
1. Popcorn
Seniors who wear dentures will likely have a difficult time after eating popcorn. Popcorn easily gets lodged in teeth, and it can be particularly painful to deal with food stuck under the dentures. As an alternative, your loved one can try air-puffed veggie crisps, another great snack that can satisfy a craving for something salty.
Professional caregivers can help seniors with dentures take good care of their oral hygiene and manage other daily activities. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of elderly home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
2. Sticky Candy
Candy (or any other foods) that are sticky and chewy have a good chance of dislodging dentures. Don’t take the chance. Instead, opt for something soft like frozen yogurt or pudding. Denture wearers can also try sugar-free gum, which boosts saliva production.
3. Nuts
Pieces of nuts can easily get stuck under dentures. Since most people only chew on one side of the mouth when eating nuts, there’s a risk of the dentures coming loose or flipping up. A good alternative is pitted olives, which are easier to chew and still have the heart-healthy fats found in nuts.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs assistance with healthy meal preparation, visiting a dentist or a doctor, or managing daily tasks. In Tucson, respite care is a great help to many families. Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times, which puts family caregivers at risk for burnout. However, an in-home caregiver can take over your loved one’s care, allowing you the time you need to focus on your own health, maintain a full-time job, or care for other members of your family.
4. Seeded Crackers or Breads
As with nuts, seeds can get stuck under dentures, which is painful and uncomfortable. As an alternative, your loved one should eat whole grain breads and crackers with the grains baked in or avoid them altogether.
5. Raw Fruits & Vegetables
Hard fruits and vegetables, such as apples and carrots, can put too much pressure on the incisors and dislodge the dentures. Try blending fruits and veggies in a healthy smoothie instead.
6. Peanut Butter
Sticky peanut butter and other nut butters are among the hardest things to clear from the mouth when someone has dentures. Instead, try hummus, tapenade, or even cottage cheese.
Professional caregivers can assist seniors with a variety of daily tasks and help them age in the comfort of home. When searching for reliable Tucson in-home care agencies, families want to know their senior loved ones will be well taken care of. At Home Care Assistance, our expertly trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with tasks around the house, provide transportation to medical appointments and social events, and much more. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (520) 276-6555 today.