Even though dental implants have enough chewing power to handle virtually any food, that’s only after your mouth has fully healed from the placement surgery. Until then, you will need to be mindful of your diet; there are certain foods that you’ll need to stay away from for a while. To help make sure everything goes smoothly during your recovery process, here’s a brief look at what you shouldn’t eat after receiving dental implants.
Foods to Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery
Some notable foods that you should stay away from include:
- Hot or Spicy Foods: These types of foods might irritate the site where the implants were placed, and that can potentially extend the amount of time that your mouth needs to heal.
- Hard or Crunchy Foods: You need to avoid putting too much pressure on your implant posts while your mouth is healing, and that means not eating hard foods (like apples and raw carrots) or anything crunchy (like popcorn).
- Sticky Foods: Trying to eat sticky foods while your mouth is still healing could cause your dental implants to come loose.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Alcohol can have a detrimental effect on your body’s ability to heal after dental implant surgery. To err on the side of caution, many dentists recommend that you refrain from drinking alcohol for at least two weeks after receiving your implant posts.
Foods That You Can Eat After Dental Implant Surgery
You will need to stick to a diet of soft and liquid foods for a while. Here are some good examples:
- Applesauce: Applesauce is a good source of vitamin C, and eating it doesn’t require any chewing.
- Broth-Based Soups: Not only are broth-based soups nutritious, but they also make it easier for your body to stay hydrated, which is very important during the healing process. Make sure that the soup isn’t hot.
- Scrambled Eggs and Salmon: These foods are good sources of protein, which is a nutrient you’ll want to get plenty of in order to keep your recovery process on track.
- Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a perfect example of a soft food, and they contain a variety of nutrients.
Once your mouth has fully healed and a crown, bridge, or denture has been attached to your implant posts, you will be able to eat virtually anything you like. Until then, it’s important to be careful regarding the foods you put on your plate. Be sure to let your dentist know if you have any questions regarding what your diet will look like right after getting dental implants.
About the Author
Dr. Rashpal Deol began his dental career in India, where he earned a Master of Dental Surgery in Periodontics and Oral Medicine. At Oak Ridge Dental in San Ramon, he can revitalize his patients’ smiles by replacing their missing teeth with dental implants. If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Deol, visit his website or call (925) 735-6190.
