Nutritious And Great Tasting Soft Foods For Elderly Loved Ones

As people age, they often experience problems with their teeth that make it difficult to chew hard foods. This can lead to a decreased appetite, malnutrition, and an inability to fight disease and function normally.

So in this article, we’ll share 9 nutritious and soft foods for elderly people with teeth problems. But before that, let’s take a look at common dental problems that affect the elderly and how to avoid them in the first place.

Common Dental Problems In the Elderly (And How To Avoid Them)

The most common dental problems that elderly people face are gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

Most dental disease in old age is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. If it’s not removed through daily brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which irritates the gums and causes them to become inflamed. This can lead to gum disease, which can ultimately progress to tooth loss.

To prevent this, it’s important to encourage your loved ones to brush their teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. It’s also important to have them floss daily, and ensure they see a dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.

In case your elderly loved ones have already developed tooth decay, they might need root canal treatment (RCT). There are many misconceptions surrounding the procedure, which leads to delays in seeking care.

So it’s important to educate yourself and your loved ones about how effective an RCT can be in keeping their teeth healthy. This guide by the Australian Dental Specialists is a good place to start.

Unfortunately, many elderly people fall victim to tooth loss despite adequate tooth care. Since tooth loss is irreversible and a hassle to treat, focusing on a soft diet is an easy way to enjoy food and stay healthy. So let’s discuss 9 foods you might want to give to your elderly loved ones if they have dental problems.

9 Soft Foods For Elderly Loved Ones

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great source of fibre and protein, making it a good breakfast option for elderly people with teeth problems. It’s gentle on the stomach and easy to digest, and you can serve it hot or cold. You can also easily flavour it with fruit, honey, or spices, so your loved ones can start their day on a flavourful note.

However, some types of oatmeal can be high in sugar. So it’s important to read the labels carefully and choose a brand that has no added sugar. That’s because many elderly people are at risk for type 2 diabetes, and sugar can worsen the condition.

Chili

Chili is a hearty dish that can be made with ground beef, beans, and vegetables. It is a good source of protein and fibre, and can be served with rice or tortillas. The high fibre content of chili makes it especially good for elderly people who suffer from constipation. Here’s how you can make chili.

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are a soft food that is high in protein and easy to eat. They can be cooked with vegetables for added nutrition. Just like oatmeal, scrambled eggs are a great option for breakfast, and can help elderly loved ones start their day on the right note.

However, some people may be allergic to eggs. So it’s important to check with your loved ones before giving them scrambled eggs. It’s also important to note that an excessive consumption of egg white can cause vitamin B7 deficiency. This can lead to hair loss and a skin rash affecting the eyes, mouth, nose, and genitals.

Casseroles

Casseroles are usually made with a combination of meat, vegetables, and pasta or rice. They are a good source of nutrients and can be easy to eat. However, depending on how they’re prepared, casseroles can be high in fat and sodium. So it’s important to be careful if your loved ones have high blood pressure.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic soft food and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. The best part about mashed potatoes is that they can easily be flavoured with herbs, spices, and cheese. Plus, they are a wide range of ways you can incorporate mashed potatoes into your diet. For example, you can add them to soups or stews, or eat them as a side dish.

Quiche

Quiche is a savoury dish made with eggs, milk, and cheese. It can be made ahead of time and frozen for later, making them a hassle-free option for the elderly. The milk and eggs found in quiche are good sources of protein, and cheese adds calcium to the mix. This makes quiche an excellent food for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

Macaroni And Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a comfort food that is also high in calcium and vitamin D. And although it’s soft and delicious, it’s important to eat it in moderation. That’s because it’s also high in fat and sodium, which makes it harmful for elderly people who are at risk for heart disease and high blood pressure.

Soup

Soup is a great way to get nutrients from vegetables and meat. Just like quiche, it can be made ahead of time and frozen for later. The best thing about soup is that it has many types, so there’s bound to be one that your loved ones will enjoy. Plus, soup is easy to eat and can be a meal in itself.

Strawberry Shortcake

Last but not least on our list is strawberry shortcake. Everyone likes something sweet once in a while, and strawberry shortcake is an excellent dessert for elderly. It can be made with fresh or frozen strawberries, and is a rich source of vitamin C.

Just ensure that your loved ones eat this in moderation because it’s high in sugar and may cause problems for people with diabetes.

Finally, here are some restaurants for elderly people looking to dine out in Perth.