Dental implants are amazing prosthetic dental devices that can allow restorations to exert the same chewing force as real teeth, and they can last for decades or even a lifetime if they receive excellent care. However, your implants will be vulnerable to injury for a few months after being placed, and chewing some foods can work them loose from the gum tissue during this period. Here’s a brief guide to a few foods that are risky for new dental implants as well as a few tips for keeping your restorations in great shape.
Popcorn Hulls and Shells Can Break Real and Artificial Teeth
Popcorn is a popular snack thanks to its crunchy-yet-puffy texture, its middling nutritional value, and how it can be dressed with all sorts of seasonings and condiments to give it a sweet or savory flavor. Unfortunately, the popping process leaves hard hulls and unpopped kernels in the corn, and these can be hazardous to your dental implants and your natural teeth.
The hulls are thin enough to become wedged between the gum tissue and the tooth or implant, which can lead to destructive gum infections, and the kernels are hard enough to break enamel or compromise a recently placed restoration. It’s best to wait until your implants have fully fused with your jaw before enjoying popcorn.
Hot, Spicy, and Acidic Items Can Irritate Your Gum Tissue
After your implants have been placed, your gums will need time to heal and adapt to the presence of the titanium post. While many people love hot, spicy, and acidic foods and beverages for their zest and interesting flavors, these items can irritate the vulnerable gum tissue and interfere with their healing process. A few items to avoid after receiving dental implants include:
- Hot sauce
- Heavily seasoned foods
- Alcohol
- Soda pop
- Pickled foods
- Alcoholic beverages
What Should I Eat After Receiving Dental Implants?
While your dental implant is healing after being placed, it’s best to chew on the side of the mouth opposite from the surgical site and avoid stressing the titanium post with unnecessary pressure. A soft, mild diet is ideal for at least the first few days, but you can gradually resume eating tougher and spicier fare as you become more comfortable doing so. A few excellent foods for after dental implant surgery include:
- Soup
- Bananas
- Smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Hummus
- Avocados
- Applesauce
- Steamed veggies
- Boneless white fish and chicken
Treating your new dental implants with proper care will help set them up to serve you for many years. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best ways to keep your restorations in excellent condition.
About the Practice
Dentistry for Life offers exemplary oral health care to the Lancaster community. Led by Drs. Jason Herres and Vincent Votilla, the staff treats each patient with courtesy, respect, and the finest customer service. Areas of expertise include preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To learn more about proper care for recently placed dental implants, contact the office online or dial (717) 569-3911.