Foods to Avoid if You Have Dental Implants

Dental implants are a go-to solution for people needing to replace one or more missing teeth. This permanent tooth replacement is surgically infused into the jawline and mimics the same behavior as natural teeth. 

Implant wearers must protect their dental implants the same way they would their normal teeth. This means some activities and foods must be avoided to extend the life of your implants. 

Get tips on how to protect your dental implants from holiday foods from the experts at Highpoint Dental in Chalfont, PA. 

Foods to Avoid When Wearing Dental Implants 

Most dentists will recommend that new implant wearers only eat soft foods within the first seven to ten days of having a dental implant installed. 

They also recommend steering clear of certain hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods for the first three months after your implants have been placed. 

The good news is that with regular dental care and checkups, you should be back to eating normally once your implant has fully settled. In the meantime, here’s a list of foods that should be avoided as a component of dental implant care. 

Hard Candies and Foods 

Eating hard candies and foods like nuts, ice, corn on the cob, and raw fruits and vegetables like carrots and apples can cause a problem with your implants. 

Accidentally biting down on hard foods can loosen the implant screw, crack the crown, or delay the process of bone integration for new implants. 

Sticky and Chewy Foods 

Caramel, taffy, gummies, chewing gums, and toffees are notorious for pulling at newly installed dental implants. 

This pulling and tugging at the gumline around implants can lead to bacterial buildup and painful inflammation that requires immediate oral care from a licensed dental professional. 

Crunchy Foods

Avoid eating crunchy foods like pretzels, chips, or granola as a component of good implant care. These foods pose the unique risk of sharp pieces breaking off and getting stuck in the gum line around the incision. 

Stuck foods penetrating the gums and incision area can lead to a painful and unsightly infection near the implant site. 

Extremely Hot Foods or Drinks 

Dental implant wearers with fresh implants must take special oral care to avoid consuming extremely hot foods or drinks during the upcoming holiday season. 

Indulging in scalding hot coffees, teas, or soups can wreak havoc with your gumline as the heat from these foods can contribute to slowing the healing process, infections, and swelling. 

Foods Containing Small Hard Particles 

Avoid eating foods with small hard particles and seeds that can sneak underneath the gum line and cause irritation or infection in the implant site. Berries containing small seeds, popcorn kernels, and small seeds in general should be avoided. 

These small particles can lodge themselves into the incision site and can be almost impossible to remove. 

Get Dental Implant Care This Holiday Season 

Are you looking for dental implants in Chalfont, PA? Your trusted local implant specialists are ready to help you refresh your smile after hectic holiday gatherings. 

Contact our office today to schedule an in-person appointment or virtual consultation to get dental implants in Chalfont today!