Foods to Avoid if a Senior Has Dentures

Your loved one may love to eat, this is a great sign, food gives them the nutrients they need to thrive while aging in place. Eating, mealtimes, and food will play a huge role in a seniors routine and it is something that 24-hour home care providers may focus a lot on when helping your loved one. However, as your senior mom or dad becomes older they may not be able to eat everything they used to as a young adult, especially if they have dentures. When a senior loses their teeth they may have fake teeth or dentures that come from a dentist. It is so important they continue to take care of their mouths, dentures, and focus on what foods they can no longer eat to keep their dentures healthy and in less need of repair over time.

Here are some foods 24-hour home care can help your elderly mom or dad avoid during the week.

All Candy

Candy, especially sticky candy is something that seniors should avoid at all costs. Keep in mind that a senior should not be eating any candy regularly because their bodies may not be able to process the sugar well enough or they may already have too much sugar in their bloodstream that has built up over the years. When a senior has dentures, candy can be double trouble. Sticky candy can easily dislodge dentures and be really hard and uncomfortable to eat. If your loved one is looking for something that is sweet they should have 24-hour home care help them find pudding, fruit, or frozen yogurt. All of these can be softer and still sweet but made with natural sugars.

Avoid Popcorn

Popcorn can actually be a healthy snack when you find unsalted and unbuttered versions, it’s low calorie and the texture is satisfying for most people. Unfortunately, it is bad for seniors who have dentures. Popcorn, kernels, and seeds can easily get stuck under a senior’s dentures, easier than any other food, and it can cause severe discomfort. Sometimes kernels can get stuck on gums and tonsils making their mouths feel inflamed and it can be hard to get them unstuck. If a senior chooses to eat popcorn it is going to be important to clean their mouths right after eating popcorn to ensure nothing becomes stuck. Keep in mind that there are not other puffed options. Like puff vegetable sticks which can be the same texture, consistency, and flavor, which is a great snack for your loved one.

24-Hour Home Care Millhopper FL – Foods to Avoid if a Senior Has Dentures

Hard Fruits and Vegetables

Of course, your senior loved one does need to eat fruits and vegetables, but anything too hard can dislodge a senior’s dentures. Your loved one may need to drink fruit smoothies or even frozen yogurt with smooth fruits. They may need to eat steamed vegetables making them softer or even vegetables in a stew. Blending things and finding ways to make them soft will help your senior loved one eat fresh but ensure they are keeping their dentures safe. If your loved one needs more help with cooking, this is something 24-hour home care can do.

If you are considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in Millhopper FL, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts Home Care. Call today: 352-225-3727.