Why Your Ability To Chew Properly Is So Important

For adults who wear dentures, many feel their ability to bite and chew comfortably and securely is the most difficult part. When chewing, dentures tend to slip and move, causing discomfort. When some food particles become trapped between gums and dentures, such as seeds of berries or pieces of nuts, they can pierce tender gum tissues. This can cause denture wearers to avoid these foods altogether as well as other foods that require thorough chewing. The tendency is to select soft foods that dissolve easily in the mouth, bypassing protein rich meats, fibrous fresh fruits and vegetables, and others that supply ample vitamins and minerals.

Teeth are a major part of the digestion process, which begins in the mouth. When chewed food is ground into fine particles, digestive juices can break food down for more efficient processing by the body. Digestion of food begins with chewing with saliva mixed in during the process. Saliva contains an enzyme that converts some of the starches to sugar.

After chewing and swallowing, food travels down the esophagus and into the stomach where gastric juice starts protein digestion. However, when food is not processed thoroughly in the mouth through chewing, the digestion process is compromised. It is a fact that denture wearers have more gastrointestinal problems and take more drugs than adults who chew with natural teeth.

One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is their ability to restore secure biting and chewing. Our dental implant patients are thrilled to resume a diet of healthy foods they love since they feel confident and comfortable eating again.

If you wear dentures and would like to discuss dental implants, call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation. I’ll be happy to answer your questions and explain all your options.