When the weather gets hot, and the grills start to come out, you know it’s time for summer delicacies. Childhood staples like s’mores, hotdogs, and corn on the cob slathered in butter will soon grace the tables of countless people nationwide.
If you just happen to have dental implants, however, you might need to pump the brakes on some of those summertime delicacies. Why? Shouldn’t you be able to eat whatever you want now that your teeth have been replaced? It’s complicated. Read on to see how to eat well and protect your dental implants at the same time.
Saturated Fat Is Not Your Friend
Some fats are good for you, but the saturated fats from foods like hotdogs and burgers can invite disaster to your mouth by causing gum inflammation. When your gums are irritated and puffy, they can hurt—or worse—start to let your implants wiggle.
This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a juicy burger every now and then, but limiting the amount of processed meat you consume is a good strategy for overall oral health. The rest of your body will thank you too.
Dental Implants Hate Corn on the Cob
While dental implants will allow you to eat normally, all the foods that can irritate regular teeth can cause even more when you’re trying to preserve your restored smile. Corn on the cob is one of those foods that you might have a love-hate relationship with. It’s delicious, but the kernels can stick in your teeth and the only solution is flossing.
Foods that stick in your teeth like pecans, popcorn, and sticky candy can stay between implants and your gums causing irritation.
They can be a pain to remove, and your dental implants won’t like the added stress of toothpicks and fingernails as you try to dislodge the debris. Instead, try to carry floss or floss sticks with you while you’re chilling by the grill.
Consequences of Sugar Consumption
Sodas, ice cream, and other sugary delights can be just what you need after a long day of summer heat. However, you should avoid consuming items with a lot of added sugar regularly, especially if you’re not routinely brushing.
Excess leftover Sugar can invite infection-causing bacteria into your mouth to multiply and slowly eat away at the tissues that support your dental implants, leading to failure.
Just make sure you bring a toothbrush with you when you’re on the go, even if you need to keep a travel-sized version on you. Brushing your teeth will lessen the impact of sweets you consume and ultimately help to preserve your dental implants longer.
When in Doubt, Ask Your Dentist
Your dentist is the ultimate authority on what foods are good for your teeth and which you should avoid. If you’re unsure how a particular meal might affect your implants over time, just ask! Your dentist will appreciate the thought you’ve put into your care and will be more than happy to share their knowledge with you.
Following the advice above and being communicative with your dentist will drastically improve the longevity of your dental implants and your oral health as a whole. So, feel free to enjoy your summer treats—just don’t go overboard!
About the Practice
Dr. Natalie Ortiz and Dr. Ramon M. Ortiz of Painted Sky Dental are a committed husband and wife team who put the wants and needs of their patients first. They serve the families of Las Cruces with compassion and knowledge, bringing their combined expertise in CEREC restorations and dental implants to work for every patient. For more information on dental implants or other services, visit their website here or call (575) 521-8720.