What Can You Not Eat With Dental Implants?

Do you know what food you should not eat with dental implants? Dental implants are tooth replacements for natural teeth that have been lost decay, gum disease, or accident. They are cared for just like natural teeth with proper dental hygiene for oral health like brushing, water flossing, and regular checkups.

Unlike removable dentures, which only allow for about 20 percent of chewing capacity compared to natural teeth, implants allow for 90 percent chewing capacity. Even so, there are certain things you should not eat with dental implants in the short-term (about one to two weeks after surgery) and there are things that you should avoid for the long-term (but, don’t worry, you’ll be healthier for it!).

The highly-trained implant dentists at EON Clinics provide dental implant treatments to patients throughout Chicagoland, southern Wisconsin, and northwest Indiana. Schedule a free consultation online today or call us at 800-250-3500.

Foods to Avoid During Dental Implant Recovery

During the first two weeks after your dental implant surgery, you’ll be adjusting to your new implants and going through the dental implant recovery process. There are a few foods you should not eat with dental implants during this time so that your mouth can heal properly. 

Apples

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but if you’re not careful, eating one after surgery may send you back for a repair of your temporary prosthesis. Apple skins tend to get stuck between teeth and your implants won’t be ready for the intrusion just yet. Once your final prosthesis is placed, you’ll be able to chow down on apples and anything else you’d like!

Hard or Sticky Foods

Hard foods like potato chips, tortilla chips, and hard taco shells are also off the list until you receive your permanent prosthesis. Sometimes, crunching into these foods causes pieces to poke our mouths which will be extra sensitive following dental implant surgery. Small bits can get lodged between teeth as well. Chips aren’t exactly healthy, so it won’t hurt you to cut back on them for a short time. Sticky and hard candies should also be avoided. Carrots, on the other hand, are healthy, but are also a little too hard and crunchy for you right now. 

Hot & Cold Beverages

Your teeth and gums will also be a bit sensitive to cold, so, ice cubes could cause discomfort. In fact, any excessively hot or cold drink should be sipped carefully or avoided altogether during this healing time. Beverages that are acidic, such as coffee and wine, or surgery drinks, like soda, should be avoided during the recovery period.

Foods to Avoid in the Long-Term

One of the reasons you opted to get dental implants to replace missing teeth is so you could regain your biting and chewing capabilities (and your beautiful smile, of course). That said, there are few foods that should be minimized or avoided for optimal oral health

• Red wine, coffee, and tea — when consumed in large quantities, they can stain implants just as they can natural teeth. 
• Sugary food and beverages — Sugar allows for bacterial plaque to build up on your teeth 
• Alcohol — Also high in sugar and should also be consumed in moderation

Learn More

All our dental implant patients are provided with post-surgery care instructions and meal suggestions to help ensure the success of their dental implants. If you have more questions about dental implant procedures or how to care for implants, call EON Clinics today. We provide single and multiple tooth to full jaw all-on-4 dental implants to help patients enjoy eating and smiling again. Find out how dental implants can improve your life. Schedule a free consultation online today or call us at 800-250-3500.