Age is not a Cage Part 4: Eating as your Teeth and Taste Buds Change
Continuing with the theme ‘Age is not a Cage’ in our Beyond Medicine series, it is good to discuss changes that occur to the teeth, taste sensations and the resulting change in eating habits. These three issues are discussed in the fourth episode of Beyond Medicine.
As people age the teeth become more susceptible to dental caries. In addition to this, loss of taste sensation and increasing tooth extractions make eating difficult. Incidentally, loss of smell also affects taste. Sensations generally decrease with age.
Tooth problems especially dental caries tend to occur at the root of the teeth and may not be obvious. Dry mouth especially in people with lifestyle diseases or on certain medications, predispose them to a build-up of bacteria in the mouth, thus increasing the risk of caries and gum infections. The enamel (white of the teeth) may stain more easily and teeth may become more sensitive.
Molar extractions may cause difficulty in chewing, restrict variety of foods people can eat, and increase preference for soft foods. Together with decrease in other sensations (like taste and smell), meals may start to be boring and uninviting.
Sometimes, due to lack of awareness of these changes, older people may complain about the flavor of food, and use more sugar or salt for taste. Taking more salt or sugar may cause harm (such as predispose them to or worsen lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, or hinder their control).
Seven ways to continue to eat healthy, despite teeth and taste problems:
1. Be aware that taste sensations decrease with aging.
2. Notice if food doesn’t smell or taste the same as before, especially your favorite dishes.
3. Voice your experiences to loved ones – it’ll create awareness that something is amiss and then something can be done.
4. Visit your health care provider to see if the loss of smell and/or taste is temporary (is it due to allergies, sinus problems, polyps or certain medications? Can it be solved?)
5. Eat smaller and more frequent meals, as this may be less tiring and frustrating especially if chewing is difficult.
6. Cold foods tend to taste better, so experiment with this.
7. Use condiments you like such as spices, lemon, garlic, onions, herbs, etc. to add flavor to your food without causing harm. Avoid having too much salt and sugar.
Many times we have noticed that people in an aged-care facility complain about tasteless meals. Maybe they are not aware of having lost the sense of taste and/or smell. By being aware, positive steps can be taken to find a solution.
Share with us your experience with decreased sensations, teeth loss and eating adjustments.
