Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, offers valuable nutrition tips to help seniors without teeth maintain a balanced diet and eat well with dentures.
Maintaining proper nutrition is key to staying healthy and active as we age. However, eating can be challenging for seniors who wear dentures.
“A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre, and protein is essential, but difficulties chewing certain foods can make it hard to meet these nutritional needs,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“With the right approach, seniors with dentures can still enjoy delicious, nutritious meals that support their well-being.”
Here are some tips to help seniors eat well, feel great, and keep their bodies strong.
Understanding the Challenges
Eating with dentures can sometimes be uncomfortable, especially when chewing tougher foods like raw vegetables, nuts, and certain meats.
These foods can be hard to bite, leading many to avoid them despite their nutritional value. Some foods may also stick to dentures, and the overall eating experience differs.
1. Prioritise Soft Foods
Soft foods are generally easier to chew, making them ideal for those with dentures. Luckily, many soft foods are also nutrient-dense and can provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Cooked Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables are softer and easier to chew while still packed with nutrients. Sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, and broccoli are great choices.
- Fruits: Soft fruits like bananas, berries, peaches, and melons add natural sweetness and fibre and are easy to chew.
- Dairy: Yogurt, soft cheese, and milk provide calcium and protein, which are essential for strong bones and muscles.
2. Choose Lean, Soft Protein Sources
Protein is vital for maintaining muscle mass and energy levels. Seniors should include high-quality protein in their meals, but some protein sources, like red meat, can be challenging to chew. Consider these alternatives:
- Fish: Salmon, cod, and other fish are nutritious, tender, and easy to eat. They’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health.
- Eggs: Eggs are soft, full of protein, and can be prepared in many ways. Try them scrambled, boiled, or in an omelette with added veggies.
- Ground Meats and Poultry: Ground turkey, chicken, or beef works well in stews or casseroles, making it easy to chew and digest.
3. Focus on Whole Grains in Easy-to-Eat Forms
Whole grains are essential for fibre and energy. While some grains, like crusty bread, can be difficult to chew, softer options are available.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal provides fibre and B vitamins and can be topped with fruits for added nutrients.
- Soft-Cooked Pasta and Rice: These grains are easy to eat and can be incorporated into various meals with vegetables and lean proteins.
4. Make Use of Blending and Pureeing Techniques
A blender or food processor can make a difference for seniors with dentures. Blending and pureeing foods allows for enjoying a wider variety of foods in a smoother, more digestible form.
- Smoothies: A smoothie packed with fruits, leafy greens, protein powder, or Greek yoghurt is a great nutrient boost without chewing. Add ingredients such as spinach, blueberries, and almond butter for a balanced blend.
- Soups and Stews: Cooking vegetables, grains, and proteins together in a soup or stew softens them. Pureeing part of the soup can create a thicker, creamy texture.
- Mashed Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, or cauliflower can be easily mashed, providing the comfort of classic sides while being easy on dentures.
5. Include Nutrient-Dense Snacks
Snacking can help maintain energy throughout the day, especially for seniors who may eat smaller portions at meals. Select snacks that provide energy and nutrients in easy-to-chew formats.
- Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is an excellent fibre and vitamin C source without biting into a whole apple.
- Hummus with Soft Veggies: Hummus gives protein and healthy fats, and soft veggies such as cucumber slices are easy to dip.
- Pudding and Yogurt Cups: Easy to eat and packed with calcium and probiotics, which help support gut and bone health.
6. Stay Hydrated with Nutritious Beverages
Hydration is essential for seniors, as it supports circulation, digestion, and brain health. Nutritious beverages can also add variety to their diet.
- Herbal Teas: Herbal teas can offer hydration and antioxidants without added caffeine.
- Milk and Fortified Non-Dairy Alternatives: Milk and options such as almond, oat, or soy milk provide hydration and nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D.
- Infused Water: Adding slices of cucumber, lemon or berries to water can make it more flavourful and refreshing.
Conclusion
Seniors with dentures can still enjoy a nutritious diet. Choosing soft, nutrient-rich foods, blending or pureeing when needed, and opting for easy-to-chew proteins makes eating well simple and satisfying. Adjustments can help maintain a balanced, healthy, and flavourful diet.