Unable to eat with false teeth.?

Please could someone offer some advise. I am really worried about my Dad he is in his mid 50's and has had to have false teeth fitted. The problem is that he is unable to eat anything and he has lost so much weight. He has to take his teeth out every meal time and he says it makes him feel quite sick he is only eating brad and soup. He is quite a shy man and wont speak to anyone about his problem (apart from me). Does anyone know anyone who is also suffering? Do you have any advise or tips that you could kindly share?Thanks

Sorry can I add that his gums are not sore or anything but the whole false teeth thing makes him feel sick. He said that when he tries to eat with them in he can't taste anything. He works long days and he can't just call into the shop for anything he has to eat at home. Just wish I could help him out a little.

It does sound as though they may not be as well fitting as they should be. Maybe the 'bite' is uncomfortable and needs to be adjusted by the dentist. Could you arrange (with his permission) another appointment at the dentist or at a different dentist, if friends are able to recommend a good one.

He needs to get new, better fitting ones. I assume you live in the US? They have these places all over the country called
Affordable Dentures. See if you can locate them where you live. It's not healthy for him to only eat that. Try some Carnation instant Breakfast, just add milk and a Multi Vitamin a day. It would be a good start. He can also have Ensure too.

My 88 year old mother has the same problem. She can eat all soft foods, but nothing that has to be bitten or chewed. She says the dentures hurt and cut her gums when she bites down, but won't go back to have them refitted. A lot of her food she puts through a food processor to make it easier to eat. Your father will learn how to compensate and what foods he can eat and enjoy.

First off he needs to make sure there are no sore bits on his gums caused by the dentures. If there are his dentist can trim bits off the denture to make a better fit. He should brush his gums as well when he cleans his teeth to make them a bit stronger and keep them healthy. He should try to eat with his dentures in - start off with something soggy - bread popcorn etc and put a little bit in each side of his mouth - if he only fills one side of his mouth it will be lopsided and a bit difficult to chew. If he gets some of that fixative stuff it should help his denture stay in. He should also have got advice and a booklet from his dentist about how to treat the denture and learn to eat. Tell him to persevere cos it can be done, but apples are out I think. Bananas are good to practice on.

Hi, i know how you dad feels it is not a nice feeling, and there are denture grips out there which can help. And even going back to the dentist and the dental technician i have found that really there is no substitute for your own teeth But i have found the only way to enjoy any meal is to take them out, and he will be surprise how really very few take any notice., it just take time.

This actually killed my father. Ill fitting dentures caused him to stop eating. He didn't tell me he was having a problem and I didn't know he stopped eating.

It is very important that your dad go to the dentist and get the denture fixed so he can chew properly. Failing that he should do whatever is necessary to replace the denture.

Some suggestions to get him eating - even without his teeth. Frozen dinners often are soft in texture and should be very easy to eat. Salsbury Steak (actually soft hamburger), Chicken Tetrezini (small pieces of cubed chicken with pasta), Creamed Chipped Beef, Macaroni and Cheese and anything that is meat and veggie based with a very soft consistency.

One other thing, initially you may want to sit with him while he eats to keep him company. It sounds like he is quite lonely and your being there will make him happy and hopefully give him an appetite.

Best of luck with your dad. Have a safe and happy Christmas.

he probably needs a reline to make them fit better
gums shrink and then dentures are too big....
try some of the liner sold at Walmart and also use an adhesive until he can get a reline
so sorry for him also, hope this helps

Hi, poor dad, firstly your mouth changes all the time so weight loss will be an issue and a trip to the dentist may be due, in the mean time he may try some denture paste to keep them in place, the poor thing cant taste anything because they are covering the palate of his mouth and a lot of taste sensors are up there. A visit to the dentist may also find that he may be suitable for "implants" putting 2 presstud type things into his gums permantly and then fixting the dentures to them hense so much less movement. I hope he gets sorted this type of thing can get him down. good luck.

He must go back to the dentist. It might just be a tiny misfit and may even refit it for free. Dentures must be worn 24/7. He should also sleep with it. Don't take them out for more than ten minutes at a time, for cleansing etc. He can try leaving it in hot water for five minutes and then force them back (ouch, yes!) which may reshape the dentures for a better fit. I have mine now for seven years and well...unfortunately thats the name of the game.