Foods That Damage Teeth and Gums Of Seniors

Your teeth are designed to be with you for the long haul! With consistent dental hygiene, regular dentist visits, and a healthy diet, you can keep your teeth and gums in great condition for years to come. It's not a given that seniors will need dentures or implants - with a little effort, you can keep your teeth looking pearly white and beautiful!

It's no secret that taking good care of your teeth is essential for a healthy smile. Brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist regularly are the basics, but you can give your teeth and gums an extra boost by being mindful of what you eat and drink. This is especially important for seniors, who have special dietary needs to consider. With a few simple steps, you can keep your smile looking its best for years to come.

Seniors may not realize the impact of dry mouth, a condition in which they produce less saliva than usual. This can be the result of inadequate hydration, or a side effect of certain medications. Without proper care, dry mouth can have a detrimental effect on dental and gum health, as saliva helps break down food and protect teeth and gums. To safeguard against this, seniors should be sure to drink plenty of water and practice good oral hygiene. Additionally, those with dentures and missing teeth must be mindful of their dietary choices, as certain foods can put them at greater risk for dental and gum damage.

Candies and Sweets

Do you have a sweet tooth? If you do, sucking on lollipops, candy and gum may seem like a tasty way to indulge, but it can be destructive to your teeth if you do it for extended periods of time. A great alternative is sugarless gum, but it's not recommended if you have dentures, crowns, etc. Sticky candy like caramel is particularly bad, so what's the solution? Dark chocolate with over 75% cocoa content is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the negative consequences. Plus, it has considerably less sugar and can be easily brushed away! But wait, there's more...dark chocolate has even been linked to some positive health benefits, so treat yourself to some guilt-free indulgence!

Crunchy Foods

If you're craving a crunchy snack, chips and pretzels may be the first thing that comes to mind - but beware! These starchy treats can be a disaster for your teeth and gums. Weakened teeth can be damaged, and the starchy residue can lead to tooth decay and plaque buildup. Not to mention, they're often loaded with calories and sugar, making them a dangerous choice for your blood sugar levels. If you absolutely must crunch on something, choose to pre-chill your drink and skip the ice - it's a much better option for your teeth!

Carbonated Soft Drinks

We all know that sugary soft drinks, like the “real thing”, aren't great for our pearly whites. With high amounts of sugar and acid, they can lead to tooth decay and throw our blood sugar off balance. Instead, why not reach for a healthier alternative? Herbal tea-infused unsweetened seltzer is a great substitute for soft drinks and can help protect your teeth and body from harm.

Acidic Foods and Beverages

Although citrus fruits and drinks have numerous health benefits, their high concentration of citric acid can cause damage to your teeth and gums. Too much citric acid can lead to tooth decay, gum bleeding, and mouth sores. To help prevent these issues, it's important to limit your citrus intake and drink lots of water when you do consume them.

If you're a lover of coffee or tea, we have some news for you - both beverages have an acidic base. Even decaffeinated versions will still be acidic, so to reduce the acidity, try adding plenty of milk to your coffee and avoiding sugar. For a better alternative, why not go herbal? Hot or cold, herbal teas make a great choice of beverage!

Foods To Avoid If You Have Dentures

Munching on popcorn, hard candy, and sticky candy may seem like innocent indulgences, but dentists warn that these treats can wreak havoc on your gums and even cause denture breakage.

Your teeth may be powerful, but cracking that nut could put you in a real pickle! Chewing on hard nuts with your molars can be really uncomfortable, putting an uncomfortable amount of pressure on one side of your mouth. Plus, any tiny seeds that get stuck between your dentures and gums can create sores that will be difficult to get rid of. So, it's best to think twice before biting down on that nut!

Enjoy the satisfying crunch of hard fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, celery, corn on the cob, and coconut - but take care to protect your dentures! Biting into these nutritious snacks takes a lot of force, so exercise caution to ensure your dental work stays safe.

For denture wearers, sticky foods can be a total disaster! From peanut butter to taffy, chewing gum to fruit paste, and even caramel, the gooey substances can not only be tricky to remove, but can also cause the dentures to become misaligned.

Seniors with dentures should avoid grilled steak, chewy pork chops, and barbecue ribs which could prove too tough to chew.