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Food for Healthy Teeth

What foods should be given to grand parents with weak teeth and gums?
(May 10, 2010)

No matter your age is, it is important for you to maintain a healthy diet. Your diet should include a lot of fruits and vegetables and whole grains. You must try to keep fats and sweets to a bare minimum. A diet such as this provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals that keep your entire body including your teeth and gums — strong and healthy. You must consult a nutritionist or a dietitian for any help needed on planning a healthy diet.




Eating right is important especially for older people. This is because poor nutrition can contribute to ill health. People in poor health will not eat well. So will people with dental problems. This leads way to a vicious circle. There can be serious health consequences. Older people living in nursing homes are at a risk of developing vitamin deficiencies. They also have more oral health problems.
People who wear dentures are not able to chew well. They must lean toward soft diets.

Dental health becomes a problem for most people after the ago of 70. Even way before that for some. The gums start to bleed and eating a whole meal becomes a problem. Here are a few problems that the elderly face as far as health goes.
  • Changes in chewing capability
  • Dry mouth (usually a side effect of medicine)
  • Changes in smell and taste
  • Slowing down of metabolism
  • Reduction in nutrient absorption
  • Changes in hearing and eyesight
  • Physical disabilities
  • Tooth decay
  • Loose teeth and missing teeth
  • Ill-fitting dentures
Here are a few suggestions to help the elderly with weak gums and teeth to manage their diet.
If you have problems with weak gums and teeth, you can do the following:
  • Consume grind, chop, or puree meats.
  • Use canned, sugar-free vegetables and fruits.
  • Cook vegetables to make them soft.
  • Stick to softer bread and pasta.
  • Use instant breakfast drinks
  • Drink lots of fluids.
  • Chew on sugarless candies.
  • Consult your dentist or doctor for saliva supplements.
  • Add little spice to your food.
  • Have flavoured dairy products (such as yogurt).
  • Consume whole-grain breads and raw vegetables.
  • Eat a lot of soups, stews and applesauce.
  • Eat tender meats have them pureed.
  • Have your fruits and veggies cut into small pieces.
Pay a visit to your dentist if you have persistent mouth pain, bleeding gums,ill-fitting dentures or bridges, or any other oral problems.
Submitted by A V on May 10, 2010 at 05:56

 
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