As we age, our body undergoes biochemical and physical changes, and one of them is the decaying of teeth and later loss of teeth.
Without teeth, eating foods can be difficult, and this can be challenging for toothless seniors to enjoy their meals.
Not only older adults, it’s also challenging for young people with no teeth, tooth surgery or dental issues that require removing the teeth.
How do People with missing teeth eat?
There are foods you can eat without much chewing. Don’t forget that toothless adults still have the gum to mash their foods before swallowing.
The following are soft nutritious foods for elderly with no teeth.
Soft Fruits and Veggies
Soft and ripe fruits and cooked vegetables are common healthy foods for elderly with no teeth.
This can make their breakfast or dinner diet.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, and fiber. They are also excellent soft foods for diabetics with no teeth.
Examples are ripe bananas, avocados, cooked carrots, and mashed potatoes.
These fruits can be mashed or pureed to make them easier for old people to eat.
You can also try blending them into a smoothie for a delicious and nutritious drink.
Another way is to make vegetable soups or stews. In this way, the vegetables are soft and tender, making them easy to eat and swallow.
You can mash fish, remove the bones and add into your veggie soup to add protein.
Breakfast diet for Seniors without teeth
Protein is essential for building and repairing body cells and tissues, and it’s essential in breakfast meal.
Old people need protein in their diet to support their muscle mass and strength.
Therefore, proteinous foods you can eat without teeth are well cooked eggs, fish, beans, lentils, and tofu.
If you to make a protein-rich smoothie for someone who has no eat, you can blend some nut butter, and yogurt into it.
Seniors with no teeth should eat diary products
Dairy products are soft foods you should feed elderly who can’t chew.
Diary products are also good source of calcium, which is important for strong bones.
Seniors can take yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk alone or with smoothie drink, and snacks like cakes.
Oatmeal and Porridge
Oatmeal and porridge are soft and easy to eat, making them an excellent choice for elderly people with no teeth. They are also a good source of fiber, which is essential for maintaining digestive health.
You can add some fruit or nuts to your oatmeal or porridge for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also try making a savory version with some vegetables and spices.
Meats and Fish
Meat and fish are an excellent source of protein for both young and old.
For elderly with no upper and lower teeth, you can prepare ground beef, chicken, and fish for them.
You can also offer a meatloaf or meatballs with ground meat.
Chinese and Indian foods for elderly with no teeth
Cereals are a good source of carbs, which provide energy for the body.
Senior Chinese or Indian can take rice porridge (Congee), glutinous rice cake, longevity noodles.
Other foods a senior in Asia can eat are Dumplings, Buddha’s delight or Steamboat.
You can also try bread pudding or French toast with soft bread, make sure they’re mashed.
Nut Butters
Nut butters are a good source of healthy fats and protein. You can try spreading some peanut or almond butter on soft bread or crackers for a quick and easy snack.
You can also add some nut butter to your smoothies for extra nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to choose natural and unsweetened nut butters.
Mashed Tubers
Mashed potatoes, yams, cocoyam are all soft and easy to eat for seniors. They are also rich in carbs and fiber.
You can add milk or butter to your mashed potatoes to add protein.
You can also make a potato casserole with cinnamon and nutmeg for a tasty and nutritious side dish.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned foods can be given to elderly who can’t chew, and enjoy a healthy and balanced diet.
Soft fruits and vegetables, protein-rich foods, dairy products, oatmeal and porridge, soft meats, smoothies and shakes, soft breads and cereals, soups and broths, nut butters, and mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes are all excellent choices.