Seniors often need complete or partial dentures at some time in their life. If your senior loved one has received dentures lately, they may have trouble eating and drinking. While your loved one may feel uneasy while having dentures, there are a few ways they might improve the situation. 

Sometimes if a senior feels uncomfortable eating, you will have a harder time encouraging a senior to eat more. If you are someone who doesn’t have time to cook for your seniors or you’re worried about them living on their own, it’s time to consider elder care providers for your loved ones. They can help ensure your senior is eating properly and getting enough nutrients, even with dentures.  

Elder care providers may be the answer you’re looking for if you have an aging loved one determined to live at home. As your parents advance in age, they will need more help than you can provide. Having new dentures is just one of a senior’s many challenges while aging in place. However, fear not. We have come up with a list of tips that may help your seniors feel more comfortable with their new dentures.  

Go Softer and Smaller 

After receiving dentures, your loved one may need to alter their eating habits. For instance, beginning with softer meals and chopping food into smaller pieces may simplify chewing. Scrambled eggs, fully cooked pasta, smoothies, soups, and chili are all excellent dinner alternatives. Some dentists may encourage a senior to try a liquid diet before they try to eat anything. There can be an adjustment period when receiving their first set of dentures.  

A Senior Needs To Focus On Chewing 

While most of us just put food in our mouths and eat it, this is not the situation for seniors who have dentures. Encourage your loved one to be aware of the areas of his or her mouth that are being used. He or she should avoid immediately chewing food in the front of the mouth, since this might result in injury. Additionally, check to see that your loved one chews food on both sides of the mouth. 

Don’t Eat Hot Foods Or Drinks Right Away 

For seniors who wear dentures, a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate may not be the best option. Your loved one should avoid hot meals and drinks until they become used to wearing dentures. Since dentures insulate the mouth, they may have difficulty assessing temperature based on taste and may suffer severe burns. 

Seniors Need To Swallow Faster 

Now, this does not mean they shouldn’t chew their food well, but they will need to learn to swallow faster after chewing. While your loved one may like the flavor of a bowl of soup or a glass of juice, savoring the flavors can dislodge the dentures. As a result, it is essential to swallow fast, particularly while drinking. 

Go Slow 

This will be a new test of patience for many seniors and it is important to go slow. There is a learning curve for many people who receive dentures. Once a seniors understands this new way to eat they will be able to enjoy a meal with the rest of their family.  

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elder Care in Hillsborough, FL please contact the caring staff at Healthy Services Of Tampa, Inc today. 813-932-9922