If you’re new to dental implants, you have a lot to look forward to! These prosthetics are often touted as the ideal way to replace missing teeth because they’re placed directly into the jawbone for added strength and stability. Unlike alternatives like dentures and dental bridges, they function as sturdy stand-alone structures. There are fewer dietary restrictions to be concerned about because your artificial teeth aren’t likely to slip out of place or become dislodged.
That’s great news if you’re a fan of summertime and its many delicious flavors. Continue reading to learn about 3 popular foods you can enjoy this season with your recently restored smile!
Food #1: Fresh Fruit
Many patients who have suffered from tooth loss are forced to avoid fresh fruits despite their many beneficial nutrients. Options like apples, pears, and peaches are harder to bite into, and dentures or dental bridges can become dislodged if you try to chomp into one. Thankfully, with dental implants, you can enjoy them without worrying that your prosthetics will pop out and embarrass you.
If you’re still recovering from implant surgery and need to stick to softer selections, you can still make the most of the season’s bounty by blending fruits into sweet, cool smoothies.
Food #2: Corn on the Cob
Corn can be particularly problematic for those with dental prosthetics because the kernels are notorious for sliding into the space between your gums and your restoration. However, with dental implants, this is less of a concern. There’s no acrylic base pressed against your ridges or metal clasps anchoring your artificial teeth to trap the slippery seeds.
However, it’s still possible for something to slide beneath your gumline. The safest way to enjoy this summer starch is to cut it off from the cob and eat it with a fork.
Food #3: Barbecued Meats
The long, hot days of midsummer are perfect for inviting friends over for a backyard barbecue. If you have dentures or a dental bridge, though, you’ll need to avoid overly tough meats because you could have a hard time chewing them with your artificial teeth.
Those with dental implants have an easier time breaking down more gristly cuts because their restoration integrates with their jawbone for extra strength. If you’re still worried that it’ll be too difficult to pulverize your food sufficiently, you can try cutting it into smaller pieces for improved chewing and digestion.
With dental implants in place, you can enjoy a well-rounded diet all summer long!
About the Author
Dr. Swathi Atluri has 13+ years of experience helping people enhance their lives by improving their dental health. She initially earned her dental degree in India before she moved to the United States and completed her DDS from the New York University College of Dentistry. Since then, she has pursued additional education in a variety of topics, including dental implants. She has specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment to perform the surgery in the office, so you don’t need to seek an outside provider. For a consultation, you can request an appointment on the website or call (682) 452-1150.