Have Dental Implants? Eat These Summer Foods Carefully!

June 4, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — nametheteam @ 8:28 pm
two senior citizens eating corn on the cob

The warmer months call for a season full of backyard BBQs and cookouts. Just the thought of digging into your favorite summer foods is enough to make your mouth water! But if you’re someone who has dental implants or is considering them, it could make eating certain foods a challenge. Read on to learn what you can expect from dental implants and which foods to eat with caution.  

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a traditional tooth replacement solution that effectively helps restore the appearance and functionality of your natural smile. The procedure involves surgically inserting a titanium implant post into the jawbone. It’s designed to replace the form and function of the lost tooth root. Once the implant has fused with the surrounding bone, you will return to the office and have a crown placed on top. Dental implants are a long-lasting, comfortable, natural-looking restoration method that allows patients to smile, eat, and speak confidently once again.

What Can I Eat After My Dental Implants Heal?

Dental implants restore 70-90% of your original chewing capacity, which means you can eat pretty much anything once fully healed! Since the implants fuse with the jawbone, you don’t have to worry about replacement teeth shifting or slipping while you eat, unlike other restoration methods. However, it’s still a good idea to err on the side of caution and avoid biting down on anything with extreme force. Harder foods, such as nuts, ice, and popcorn kernels, can cause your implant to unseat.

Which Summer Foods Should I Eat with Discretion?

Even though you can enjoy most of your favorite foods once your implants have healed, here are a few summer staples that you should eat with discretion:

  • Hot dogs. A juicy hot dog fresh off the grill is a traditional summer favorite, but it’s loaded with processed saturated fat. This fat can cause gum inflammation and even periodontal disease. While eating one here and there is okay, it’s best to limit your consumption to avoid dental complications.
  • Corn on the cob. After you’ve bitten into one, the kernels can get stuck in between your teeth and implants. If you can’t resist eating corn, try cutting off the kernels and eating them carefully with a fork or spoon. It will help reduce the issue while allowing you to get your fix!
  • Sugary drinks. As tasty as they are on a hot summer day, they’re terrible for your enamel and can cause it to wear down over time. Overconsumption of sweet and acidic beverages increases your risk of tooth decay and negatively impacts your bodily health. Instead, opt for a refreshing glass of water!

Taking proper care of your dental implants will help them last for many summers to come. Contact your dentist today if you’re ready to start your journey towards a beautiful, restored grin. Soon enough, you’ll be able to celebrate the sunny season with a full smile!

About the Author

Dr. Randall Nameth has provided patients with outstanding, high-quality dental care for over 36 years. He has taken over 40 hours of continuing education annually in several areas, including dental implant placement. Dr. Nameth understands how much a fully functioning smile can improve one’s quality of life. To determine whether implants are right for you, schedule a consultation via our website or call (614) 846-2222.

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