Over 45% of adults over 75 years of age do not have functional dentition (1). Dentures only have 60-70% of the chewing power as natural teeth (2).
This makes it more difficult for the elderly to consume everyday foods. Let’s explore foods for the elderly that can be eaten without teeth.
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Foods for the Elderly with No Teeth
Poor nutrition can lead to muscle loss, skin breakdown, and declined quality of life. Serving soft foods can promote intake for those without teeth.
Here are some soft food ideas that are easy to chew without teeth.
Entrees
Many protein foods can be especially difficult to chew. Here are some easy to chew entree ideas:
- Scrambled eggs
- Quiche
- Meatloaf
- Meatballs
- Spaghetti with meat sauce
- Salisbury steak
- Flaky, baked fish
- Tuna salad
- Tuna noodle casserole
- Chicken salad
- Egg salad
- Chicken or turkey pot pie
- Tofu
- Shepherds pie
- Chicken and dumplings
- Salmon patties
- Crab cakes
If meats are too tough, use a food processor or blender to grind or puree. Get my favorite blender and food processor bundle on Amazon.
*This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Vegetables
Many vegetables can be eaten without teeth if they are well cooked and cut in small pieces.
- Carrots
- Summer squash
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Creamed spinach
- Creamed corn
- Zucchini
Sides
Well cooked noodles and many starchy vegetables make good sides for an easy to chew meal.
- Macaroni and cheese
- Orzo
- Mashed potatoes
- Scalloped potatoes
- Whipped sweet potatoes
- Baked sweet potato
- Potato salad
- Refried beans
- Grits
- Oatmeal
- Cream of wheat
- Cream of rice
- Soups
Snacks
Chewing without teeth can be tiring. Smaller, more frequent meals and snacks can increase nutrition.
Here are some soft snack ideas for the elderly without teeth:
- Applesauce
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Canned fruits
- Banana
- Peanut butter
- Soft cookies
- Ice cream
- Mousse
- Milkshakes
- Boiled egg
- Moist cake
- Smoothies
- Avocado
Altered Diets
Lack of dentition does not mean that people should miss out on their favorite foods. Mechanically altering foods, so they are ground or pureed, can make enjoying foods easier.
Check out these articles to learn more about altered texture foods:
Practical Takeaways
Not having teeth can greatly affect chewing ability for some older adults. This in turn impacts nutritional status and quality of life.
Serving naturally soft foods, cooking items well, and cutting up food items can help promote adequate nutritional intake.
I just got all my teeth removed because they were all rotting out of mouth at 58 I feel embarrassed and ugly I can’t wait to get dentures done you have any suggestions on dentures
Dentures don’t have the same chewing power as natural teeth, but are usually a big improvement from not having any at all. Usually proper fit is the biggest challenge and some need adjustments after they are made.
Hi Jody!
I’m also losing all my teeth and in the process of receiving surgery to have what’s left of them(they’re painful) removed. I’ve always been told I had such a nice smile so I’m horribly self conscious! I’m trying to figure out how to make my duet more interesting for now, since I can no longer chew without extreme pain.
I am sorry you’re having a tough time. Definitely hard to have variety with mouth pain. I hope it gets better. Maybe try blending some foods up until you’re healed.
Thank you for posting this article. As a 45 year old women with teeth problems., It is appreciated.
Thank you for posting this article. I am a survivor of organic TBI and have found it hard find foods that are easy for me to eat. This gives me several options, of which d not thought, that can vary my diets flavors.
I am so glad you found it helpful!