Dental Implants Aftercare: Eating and Drinking

Your teeth play a crucial role in your health in more ways than one, that’s why it’s important to care for them to avoid compromising your pearly whites. But when your teeth get damaged beyond repair, sometimes, it’s better for you to replace them with dental implants so you can maintain a smile that is confident and healthy. 

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants have been proven to be an effective and durable solution for replacing missing teeth. They are titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jaw bone bed to act as a support for replacement teeth. They offer a more comfortable replacement for your missing teeth as compared to dentures and even bridges.

After a dental implant procedure, it’s your responsibility to ensure it functions properly by practicing the right aftercare. But what do you need to consider when it comes to eating and drinking with new dental implants? 

Tip #1: Do Not Overstress Your New Implants and Eat Softer Foods

When you have dental implants, you need to take care of them. It’s crucial that you avoid overstressing them by munching on hard foods, especially your newly replaced teeth. This is because the gums may not have fully healed and they are still in the process of getting used to the implants.

It’s best to eat softer foods and avoid chewing too hard to reduce the risk of damaging your new teeth. Some examples of soft foods you can indulge in as you adjust to your dental implants include the following: 

• Scrambled eggs;

• Crepes;

• Quiche;

• Soft bread;

• Yogurt;

• Cottage cheese;

• Stews that are cooked until the meat is extremely soft;

• Pasta;

• Cooked beans;

• Cooked vegetables;

• Fish;

• Smoothies that you should drink, not suck from a straw;

• Softer fruits like strawberries, bananas, blueberries, oranges, etc.; 

• Applesauce;

• Ice cream;

• Sugar-free protein drinks/shakes;

• Oatmeal;

• Rice;

• Mashed potatoes/sweet potatoes;

• Soft meat, like meatballs, hamburger patties;

• Soft bread, cut or torn into small pieces;

• Soups. 

Tip #2: Avoid Teeth-Staining Drinks 

Generally, whether your new teeth are natural or implants, you are advised to avoid drinking deeply colored beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine. This is because these beverages will stain your teeth. However, when dealing with implants, this becomes even more crucial, as discoloration can damage them by exposing them to certain acidic substances. With that in mind, it's best to drink water or milk over the first few weeks of your recovery after a dental implant procedure. 

Tip #3: Avoid Eating Sugary Treats 

Although you are allowed to enjoy sweet food like ice cream after dental implants, it’s best to avoid it to avoid the risk of damaging your teeth. Sugary treats like cakes, candies, and lollipops can leave you with a sweet smile, but also with a sweet tooth that is more susceptible to developing cavities and tooth decay.

This is because when a person eats a sweet treat, their teeth release more bacteria from the mouth. This bacteria can thrive in the moist environment that is in the mouth when it comes to eating and drinking. 

The Bottom Line: Caring for Your Dental Implants After the Procedure

After dental implant surgery, your dental implants will require some care and attention before they become fully functional. In the meantime, you will need to focus on preventing damage to your dental implants to ensure a longer lifespan from your cosmetic procedure.

How Can We Help You?

Your dental health is extremely important. Because of this, it's only worth going to the best cosmetic dentist in Denver that many patients trust. Here at G-Dental32, we offer exceptional dental services from general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry, dental implants to oral surgery, down to sedation dentistry. So, if you need assistance with your dental health, reach out to us today!