- Dental implants are an effective way for older adults to improve chewing and protect jawbones from deterioration.
- Softening or pureeing food is a simple but effective way for the elderly to enjoy a wide range of foods.
- Taking small bites helps reduce the risk of choking and gives the brain more time to register satiety signals.
- Adequate hydration helps to improve chewing by optimizing saliva production, which assists in swallowing and breaking down food.
As we age, our ability to chew and swallow properly can become impaired. This is known as mastication impairment, and it affects many older adults. The good news is that there are ways to improve mastication in the elderly. With a few easy steps, seniors can ensure they can maintain proper nutrition while still enjoying their meals.
Get dental implants
For the elderly, dental implants are one of the most effective ways to improve chewing and reduce discomfort when consuming food. At an older age, teeth can become fragile, making it difficult to chew comfortably.
Dental implants support a removable denture or bridge, safeguarding jawbones from deterioration due to missing teeth and ultimately helping to maintain oral health. Having healthy teeth also prevents nutrient deficiencies that may occur from not being able to masticate food properly.
Therefore, investigations should include professional consultations with dentists specializing in implant selection and surgery to tailor a suitable plan for each patient. It is essential that the elderly properly get dental implants as this will positively affect their life and give them something beneficial even late in life.
Incorporate some lifestyle changes.
Here is some lifestyle changes the elderly can incorporate to improve mastication:
Soften or puree food.
Softening or pureeing food is essential for the elderly, particularly those with difficulty chewing. This process breaks down food into bite-sized pieces and helps to increase the ease of chewing and swallowing. It is a simple but effective way for older adults to enjoy a wide range of foods without worrying about the risk of choking.
Furthermore, softening or pureeing foods reduces wear on teeth since less effort is needed to eat them, which can save potentially costly dental costs. Generally, softer-cooked foods are easier to chew than harder-cooked foods, so those preparing meals must know how to modify meal textures appropriately to ensure their older loved ones receive adequate nutrition while not putting them at risk.
Take small bites
As people age, taking smaller bites when eating becomes increasingly essential to maximize their ability to break down food particles properly. Taking smaller bites also helps reduce the risk of choking.
Additionally, because it takes longer to chew small bites than large ones, taking smaller bites allows the brain more time to register satiety signals and therefore increases feelings of fullness and satisfaction after eating. Thus, proper mastication leads not only to improved digestion but also better overall nutrition and appetite control.
Increase fluid intake
Adequate hydration is essential for everyone but particularly important for elderly individuals. Staying well-hydrated with plenty of water helps to improve chewing by optimizing saliva production, which assists in swallowing and breaking down food. Additionally, inefficient chewing can lead to choking or other issues for seniors.
Therefore, it’s wise for older folks to make sure they are drinking the recommended daily amount of fluids to ensure that their bodies are functioning at the highest level for eating and digestion purposes. The best fluid sources should be low-sugar options such as water and unsweetened herbal teas to maximize benefits and minimize risks associated with consuming too many sugary drinks.
Exercise mouth muscles regularly
Exercising the mouth muscles is integral to maintaining proper mastication in the elderly. Regular exercises can help improve oral muscle strength and coordination and increase the range of motion for chewing. This can reduce risk factors such as temporomandibular joint disorders, difficulty swallowing, and even falls due to instability or imbalance.
Proper exercise can also strengthen facial muscles used for communication and protect against saliva spilling when speaking or eating. Furthermore, maintaining the jaw muscles through exercises can help prevent malocclusion (misalignment of teeth) later in life. A regular exercise regimen targeting these muscles is essential to any elderly health routine because it helps maintain muscle tone and keep them functioning properly into old age.
Avoid overly hard foods.
Among the elderly population, mastication is an important factor for maintaining their well-being. Eating softer foods, such as soups, boiled vegetables, and mashed potatoes, helps elderly people to chew and digest their meals properly. It is important to avoid overly hard foods such as nuts or popcorn kernels, as these can strain both jaw and teeth muscles which can lead to potential injury.
Additionally, difficulties in mastication can lead to dysphagia—a condition often seen in older age groups that make it difficult for elderly individuals to swallow their food safely. Thus, providing a variety of food options that are easy to chew and swallow is essential for promoting overall health among the elderly population–especially when it comes to avoiding hard foods like nuts and popcorn kernels.
These are just a few ways elderly individuals can improve chewing and maintain good nutrition. With these steps, seniors can ensure they can enjoy their food while still getting proper nutrition to stay healthy.