Most people have heard that chewing food aids in digestion. Very basically, breaking down food into smaller pieces allows the body more opportunity to digest it.
But there is more to it than that. In fact, there are many processes that chewing initiates that help digestion and nutrient absorption.
If you are considering upper or lower dentures, then digestion and nutrition are two big reasons to move forward. Going with dentures can help aesthetically and with mouth pain, but they also can make you healthier overall. Keep reading to find out how.
How Chewing Aids in Digestion
There are three main ways that chewing helps digestion and nutrition. First, saliva contains enzymes that begin breaking down the food before it enters the stomach. Next, as mentioned, chewing helps smash food into more manageable sizes for the rest of the digestive system to take on.
Finally, chewing by itself indicates to the body that food is on the way. It triggers the rest of the digestive system to ready itself. All this aids in digestion, which in turn gives your body more opportunity to absorb the nutrients in food.
Can Upper and Lower Dentures Negatively Affect Digestion and Nutrition?
You may have heard studies that indicate that people with dentures experience issues with digestion and nutrition. This can be the case, especially at first. In general, dentures are not as naturally effective as healthy teeth.
Keep in mind that many of these studies only compare people with dentures to those with healthy teeth and gums. They often do not take into account the inability of people who need dentures to chew and digest food properly.
In short, digestion and nutrition can be an issue for new denture wearers. But dentures can improve these processes for people who have teeth and gum issues. Also, these deficits can be mitigated--and dental health improved--with conscious effort and by developing good chewing habits in denture wearers.
Can Upper and Lower Dentures Positively Affect Digestion and Nutrition?
Yes, as indicated, wearing dentures can be a valuable step for someone who has poor teeth and gums and issues chewing properly. In more severe cases, patients may have had poor chewing habits long before receiving dentures.
That is why establishing or reestablishing property chewing techniques is vital. Deliberately chewing very slowly can help in this regard. Also, starting with softer foods is another way to ease into things.
A big part of this is keeping both upper and lower dentures clean. This will keep bacteria at bay, which could inflame and irritate gums, making chewing painful. Also, even though denture wearers have no natural teeth left, practicing good oral hygiene is important.
Visiting your denturist on a regular basis can help ensure proper fit and comfort of lower and upper dentures. This also can help encourage proper chewing. Your provider also can recommend techniques for chewing that help optimize digestion and nutrition.
Learn More About the Health Impact of Dentures
Now that you understand the relationship between dentures and nutrition, you can decide if they are the right move for you. The right dentures can help your smile as well as your overall health.
Parisien Denture Clinic offers high-quality upper and lower dentures and related services. Our denturists have decades of experience in the field and can expertly determine the best treatment plan for each patient's unique dental health goals and needs. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment today.