If you had dentures in the past, you might remember longingly watching your friends and family eat all of your favorite foods while you had to stick to a modified diet due to your prosthetic. Now that you have dental implants, though, things are different. In fact, you can enjoy all of your favorite summer foods with dental implants. Why are dental implants so reliable, and how can you protect them while you are chowing down? This blog post provides practical information.
Dental Implants Provide Strong Chewing Power
Dental implants act as prosthetic tooth roots that get surgically placed beneath the gumline. When they integrate with the surrounding jawbone, they provide an incredibly strong base of support for the crowns, bridges, or dentures that get attached to them. In fact, the chewing power they provide almost rivals that of natural teeth.
Therefore, it is possible for people with dental implants to eat virtually any food. Whether you want to dig into a juicy steak, munch on some corn on the cob, or indulge in a sweet treat, you can feel free to give your taste buds exactly what they are craving.
Tips for Successful Eating with Dental Implants
Yes, you can eat almost anything with your dental implants. However, just like natural teeth, some foods are better for them than others. Here are some tips you can apply to minimize the risk of damage to your implants and your oral health:
- Limit your sugar intake. It is fine to enjoy an occasional treat, but you should be careful not to overdo it. When sugar interacts with bacteria in your mouth, it leads to plaque formation and can increase your risk of oral infections. Things like barbecue sauce and sports drinks can be surprisingly high in sugar, so be sure to check nutrition labels so you know what you are consuming.
- Be careful with hard and tough foods. Instead of biting right into foods like corn on the cob or fresh veggies, try cutting them into small pieces first for a more comfortable eating experience.
- Limit highly processed meats. Hot dogs and other ultra-processed meats may have a lot of salt and saturated fat, both of which can contribute to inflammation in your mouth and throughout your body.
- Take care of your mouth. Excellent oral hygiene, paired with regular visits to your dentist, can make sure that your implants stay in great shape for the long haul.
You do not have to miss out on delicious summer foods! If you take good care of your implants, they will take good care of you.
Meet the Practice
The experts at Willow Run Dental Association are proud to provide a range of dental implant services. If you have questions about what to expect (or how to eat) with this form of tooth replacement, we are ready to speak with you. Contact our friendly Auburn dental team at 207-352-2825.