Dental Implants Can Last Longer with a Healthy Diet

If you’ve replaced your lost teeth with dental implants, you’ve invested in a lasting solution for tooth loss. A dental implant is unlike any other treatment because it replaces both the root and the crown of a missing tooth. Your restoration has the support of your jawbone, which means you don’t have to worry about leaving your favorite foods off of your plate. However, your implant dentist will recommend a few diet changes to get the most from your new smile.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Traditional tooth replacement methods only replace the portion above the gum line. A dental implant goes a step further. A titanium post acts as a new root, providing a stable foundation for your restoration that’s secured by an abutment. Dental implants have over a 95% success rate and are proven to last for 30 years or longer with the right aftercare, but many factors affect their lifespan, like the foods you eat.

Foods to Avoid with Dental Implants

You regain 70% of your natural biting force with dental implants. Although you can eat anything you like, it’s not always a good idea. Here are a few foods you should limit to safeguard your investment:

1. Hard or Crunchy Foods: Hard and crunchy foods put excessive pressure on your dental implants, which can increase your risk of failure and damage your restorations over time.
2. Chewy or Sticky Foods: Foods that require a lot of chewing increase wear and tear on your new smile. Sticky foods can cling to your teeth and dental implants.
3. Sugars and Starches: Dental implants can’t get cavities, but any natural teeth are still vulnerable to decay. Sugars and starches also promote harmful oral bacteria growth, 
4. Alcohol: Alcohol affects your body’s ability to heal and fight infections. It also causes your mouth to be dry, creating a great environment for oral bacteria to thrive. It’s best to limit your consumption of alcohol to protect your dental health.

Get the Most from Your Investment

You can ensure your new smile thrives for decades by following a few tips:

• Brush and Floss: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss daily to remove buildup missed by brushing.
• Don’t Smoke: Don’t smoke or use tobacco to keep your mouth and body healthy.
• Stay Hydrated: Stay hydrated to keep your mouth moist to combat oral bacteria.
• Visit Your Dentist: Schedule a cleaning and checkup with your dentist every 6 months to keep your mouth healthy.

Dental implants are a great investment and can last for a lifetime. Limiting a few foods is a small price to pay to never worry about gaps in your smile again.

About Dr. Nelida Garcia-DeMartino

Dr. Garcia-DeMartino achieved her dental degree from the Fairleigh S. Dickinson School of Dental Medicine and has regularly continued her training to provide up-to-date services, like dental implants, periodontics, and pediatric dentistry. She is an award-winning dentist and a member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through her website or call (908) 223-5851.