Many dentists consider dental implants to be the gold standard of replacement teeth because they’re the only type that’s surgically inserted into your jawbone which means they offer several unique advantages. For example, they function as a standalone structure that doesn’t rely on suctioning to your gums or neighboring teeth to remain put as dental bridges and dentures do. Plus, they’re incredibly resilient and have a high success rate of more than 95%.
That said, it’s imperative to care for your mouth properly to prevent implant failures, especially immediately after your procedure. Many patients want to know what is safe to eat afterward that won’t hinder their healing. Keep reading to learn about 5 foods to avoid so you can recover as quickly as possible!
#1: Anything Hard or Crunchy
Your dentist will probably suggest that you stick to a soft-food diet for the first 24-48 hours after your surgery. That means you should steer clear of super hard or crunchy items like popcorn, granola, or raw fruits and vegetables. Some popular alternatives include soup, bananas, applesauce, avocados, hummus, pudding, and mashed potatoes. These contain important vitamins that support your body so your mouth can heal.
#2: Hot Temperatures
After your procedure, a blood clot must form over the implant site to protect the vulnerable tissues from bits of food and bacteria. Overly hot temperatures can dislodge it, so stick to warm or room-temperature options for the time being. For example, if you’re enjoying soup or mashed potatoes, let it cool sufficiently before enjoying it, or simply stick to yogurt and applesauce for now.
#3: Spicy Foods
Strong spices and spicy foods can irritate the implant site which exacerbates any inflammation or aches that you may be experiencing and can increase your risk of developing an infection. To keep the incision safer and more comfortable, opt for something that’s less flavorful. You’ll be able to enjoy as many spicy meals as you like once you’ve recovered fully.
#4: Sweets or Candy
Anything sugary should be temporarily avoided to prevent attracting harmful bacteria that could infect the incision site. Plus, hard candies could damage it physically because they can be abrasive if you try to bite or chew them. Softer choices like taffy or caramel are likely to dislodge the blood clot or any temporary restoration that was placed so aren’t any safer.
#5: Alcohol
If you’re accustomed to a glass of wine at dinnertime, you’ll want to abstain for a few days. Alcohol is a diuretic which means it dries out your systems, and you could develop dry mouth. This can hinder your healing because saliva is a natural disinfectant that helps rinse away leftover food particles after meals and helps keep toxic germs from causing problems. Focus on drinking more water, instead.
Now that you know what foods to avoid, you’re more likely to recover quickly and without complications!
About the Practice
At Washington Dental Associates, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists who provide a full range of services to people of all ages and walks of life. Whether you require preventative care for your child or are in personal need of a more complex treatment like dental implants, they have the expertise to help. Using state-of-the-art technology, they perform each step of the process onsite so that you don’t have to seek any outside referrals. Plus, they offer evening and weekend appointments to accommodate even the most hectic schedules. If you’re interested in dental implants and would like a consultation, you’re welcome to request one on the website or by calling (201) 453-4863.