Are you seeking a more reliable and long-lasting solution for tooth loss? If so, you might be a good candidate for dental implants. These replacement teeth are the only ones that are embedded in your jaw and fuse with the bone to provide additional strength and support.
But it’s natural to have questions about maintaining these teeth in the long-term, including which foods can help support them. If you’re interested in making dietary decisions that can help protect your dental implants, continue reading to learn about 3 options that many experts recommend!
Option #1: Dairy Products
Dental implants tend to be more resilient than dentures or bridges thanks to their placement in your jaw. However, it can take 3 to 6 months to recover after your procedure because that’s often how long it takes the mouth to generate enough new bone growth to fully envelop the post placed there in a process called osseointegration.
But if you don’t consume enough calcium, your body might not have the raw ingredients it needs to complete this stage of recovery successfully. Thankfully, you can get more of this building block by incorporating healthy dairy, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, into your daily diet. This can help strengthen the foundation of your mouth to support your restoration both during recovery and long after.
Option #2: Citrus Fruits
Would you be surprised to learn that an advanced form of gum disease known as peri-implantitis is the leading cause of failure? If bacteria in your mouth penetrate the surgical site, the resulting infection can damage the materials holding your new tooth in place, and it might be destabilized or dislodged.
Fortunately, you can help build stronger connective tissues by eating more citrus fruits and leafy greens. Options like oranges and grapefruit can contain up to 80 mg or more of vitamin C per unit to boost your body’s levels. This can help you resist periodontal disease and infection, preserving your dental implant.
Option #3: Water
You’re not alone if you’re surprised to see water on the list of safe foods for dental implants, but it can actually support your prosthetics in several ways. H2O has a neutral pH balance, which can prevent acid damage that causes tooth decay, and rinses away harmful bacteria, leftover food, and other debris that might otherwise contribute to infection.
Furthermore, water also hydrates your body, which supports your immune system so you are more likely to recover effectively without developing complications.
If you have additional questions about what foods might help or hurt your restorations, your dentist may have other helpful ideas to try!
Meet the Author
Dr. Alec Starostik is passionate about providing quality dental services to meet the unique needs of his patients. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry, and is a member of several prestigious institutions, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, among others. He has the specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment to place and restore dental implants in the office for your convenience. You can request an appointment on the website or call (814) 826-3767.