Are you missing teeth causing you: difficulty chewing your food, to favor one side of your mouth or even avoid certain foods? Many people underestimate the affect that missing teeth can have on your diet, in turn, your overall health.
Typically, healthier foods such as nuts, fruits, vegetables and meat are more difficult to chew simply because they are whole (unprocessed) foods. Consequently, you may find yourself grabbing for unhealthy foods simply because they are easier to eat. If individuals avoid the healthier foods, they lack a well-balanced diet, which may lead to health risks.
Individuals with missing teeth may also experience a decrease in their appetite. Missing teeth damage “your natural sensory input; that means taste and texture preferences change, which causes people to enjoy food less.”1 This loss of sensory input coupled with pain due to broken teeth or tooth loss causes a person to avoid eating certain solid, healthier foods, or eating in general. Over time, this can affect one’s health. Individuals missing a tooth or teeth on one side, may favor the other side and eventually that may lead to breakdown of the teeth and gums on the good side. The good news is there is a solution in the form of dental implants!
Unlike dentures, dental implants will give you the ability to eat a well-balanced diet again. Even the best dentures have a tendency to slip, subsequently food can get lodged underneath causing gum irritation. Dental implants are permanent fixtures that LOOK and FEEL like your own real teeth. Since they are placed in the jawbone, they do not shift, rather they act just as secure as your regular teeth. Due to this stability, patients with dental implants are able to enjoy the foods they once did AND gain their beautiful smile and confidence back.
In fact, one of the biggest benefits to dental implants is that there are NO food restrictions. (after you are properly healed of course) Unlike dentures, dental implants allow you to enjoy harder, healthier foods such as nuts, raw fruits and vegetables. Not only that, dental implants allow you to fully experience your taste buds, whereas upper dentures cover up a portion of your taste buds on the roof of your mouth.
Best of all? Unlike dentures (typically last 5-7 years) or bridges (typically 7-10 years), with proper care dental implants can last a lifetime!
If you are interested in dental implant surgery, please call 888.257.4025 to set up a consultation with Dr. Young.
References
1. Joe Field DDS. Missing Teeth, Nutrition, and Your Ability to Eat. Mid-Peninsula Implant Center. Published on 27 December 2016. Available online August 7, 2020. Website: https://www.bayareaimplants.com/blog/
2. Are There Food Restrictions with Dental Implants? North Shore Restorative and Implant Dentistry. Published on 9 January 20145. Available online August 7, 2020. Website: https://www.northshorerid.com/are-there-food-restrictions-with-dental-implants/
3. Improve Health and Confidence with Dental Implants. Clear Choice Dental Implant Centers. Available online August 7, 2020. Website: https://www.clearchoice.com/dental-implants-health-and-confidence/
4. How Do Dental Implants Affect Eating and Nutrition? Plymouth Dentistry. Available online August 7, 2020. Website: https://www.plymouthdentistry.com/how-do-dental-implants-affect-eating-and-nutrition/
