One of the best things about summertime is all of the tasty foods that are in season. In the past, though, you might have hesitated to indulge in your favorite snacks and meals due to your missing teeth or unreliable dentures. If you have gotten dental implants since then, you are in for a treat! This blog post touches on how you can enjoy tasty summertime foods whether you recently had your dental implant surgery or your new teeth are already securely in place.
If You Are New to Your Implants, Enjoy Soft Foods
If you are not yet fully recovered from your dental implant surgery, caution is in order. Things like grilled meats, corn on the cob, and potato chips could irritate your surgical sites and interfere with your body’s healing process. It is best to stay away from such items until the soft tissue at your surgical sites is completely healed.
In the meantime, you can enjoy items that require minimal chewing, such as:
- Avocados
- Smoothies
- Baked beans
- Bananas
- Fish (Be careful of bones!)
- Fully cooked noodles
- Rice dishes
- Yogurt
- Seedless watermelon
- Ice cream and other cold, soft treats (in moderation, of course)
The Options Are Limitless with Dental Implants
After you recover from your surgery and your new teeth are attached to your dental implants, you can feel free to eat almost anything, including items that are difficult to consume with traditional dentures. For example, you can bite into corn on the cob, crisp summer fruit, and more. Really, no foods are off-limits because dental implants function similarly to natural teeth!
Of course, that does not mean you can overdo it. Just like real teeth, some foods are better for dental implants than others. It is best to make sure that the majority of your diet features nutrient-rich foods that support oral health. For example, tasty summer salads and lean meats will have more benefits for your body and mouth than things like rich desserts and fatty hot dogs.
You should also monitor how your mouth feels. When you first get your new teeth, it might take a few days before you are completely comfortable using them. Your gums might also be a bit sensitive. Eating soft foods may help you through the transition period. If you have any significant concerns or questions about how your new teeth are functioning, call your dentist to ask for assistance.
Missing teeth do not have to prevent you from enjoying all the flavors of summer! Dental implants can put you on the path toward a full and robust diet.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Jay Oza and the other talented dentists at Marvel Dental in Burleson are proud to partner with local specialists to provide start-to-finish dental implant care. Whether you are considering your tooth replacement options or have questions about how to make smile-friendly food choices this summer, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our knowledgeable staff at 817-933-3883.