Can I Eat My Favorite Foods with Dental Implants?

Summer is here, which means that families are outside barbecuing and enjoying the warmer temperatures. With many of the most delicious foods being cooked this time of year, it can cause those living with an incomplete smile to miss the joys of eating. But with dental implants, these social gatherings and events no longer have to be avoided or met with disdain. Find out how these prosthetics give you the license to enjoy all your favorite foods again this summer.

How Can Dental Implants Help You to Eat More Freely?

Unlike traditional tooth replacement options (i.e., dentures, dental bridges), dental implants are made to do more than replace the visible portions of your teeth. Instead, they mimic the natural tooth roots because they are positioned inside the jawbone and fuse with this solid structure through a process known as osseointegration.

Once your new artificial teeth are permanently in place, they will act just like regular ones so that you can speak clearly and eat without fearing your smile will succumb to slipping and embarrassment.

Not to mention, each time you bite down and chew, your implants deliver stimulation to your jawbone, helping to keep it working correctly while also minimizing your risk of facial collapse over time.

Which Foods Are Okay and Not Okay to Eat with Dental Implants?

Whether you’re planning your own barbecue in the backyard or preparing to spend the day at a friend’s house while they do all the work, you can freely enjoy all the following foods:

• Juicy steaks
• Burgers
• Potato salad
• Watermelon
• Beans
• Vegetables

But you should also know that even while wearing dental implants, there are some foods that you will need to be mindful of should you choose to enjoy. These include:

• Hot Dogs – It might sound odd that you need to be careful with hot dogs, but the truth is that too many of these can result in inflammation because of saturated fat. If left to fester, it can cause gum disease, which can be detrimental to your dental implants, causing implant failure.
• Corn on the Cob – Who doesn’t love a buttery, sweet corn on the cob? If you’re planning to indulge in this fan favorite this summer, take the time to cut it off of the cob. The reason is that it can easily become stuck between your teeth and even between the implant and gums.
• Sodas – Limit your consumption of sodas this summer, as they contain high amounts of sugar, which can lead to cavities if you have any natural teeth remaining.

Life with dental implants will give you far more leeway when consuming your favorite foods and beverages, just remember to be careful with certain items so that you avoid potential problems and instead maintain a healthier smile for life.

About the Practice
At Souris Valley Dental Group, we are pleased to have five dental experts who offer high-quality patient care to individuals living in Minot and nearby North Dakota communities. Treating families since 1968, we strive to deliver modern, conservative, and first-rate service to individuals looking to live life with healthier smiles. When treating patients with missing teeth, we can offer dental implants and perform the start-to-finish procedure in-house. To learn more about how these prosthetics and our team can help you get the most out of your new smile, contact us at (701) 852-5595.