Millions of Americans suffer from extensive tooth loss. If you’re a part of that group, you know from experience how missing teeth can affect your appearance and overall quality of life. Luckily, you don’t have to live with gaps in your smile forever! Dental implants are an excellent solution that can help you live your life just like you used to. With summer right around the corner, you may be wondering if you’ll need to watch what you eat. Read on to find out which summer foods you can enjoy with your new and improved smile!
What Are Dental Implants?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what dental implants are. They’re prosthetic tooth roots made of titanium or other dental-grade materials. Each post is surgically inserted into the jawbone, replacing the entire structure of a missing tooth from the root up to the chewing surface. Over time, it’ll fuse with the surrounding bone tissue via a process called osseointegration. After this process is finished, a final restoration (i.e., crown, bridge, denture) will be attached to the implant, completing your smile!
Summer Foods You Can Enjoy with Implants
Many patients prefer dental implants over other methods of tooth replacement because you don’t have to worry about them moving around in your mouth. Once fully healed, they’ll restore up to 75% of your original chewing capacity. For that reason, there aren’t many foods that are off-limits. As long as you make a few adjustments, you can comfortably enjoy the following summer foods:
- Corn on the Cob – This seasonal staple is delicious when coated in butter! However, be sure to remove the cob and only eat the kernels if you have implants. Doing so will help you avoid getting kernels stuck between your teeth and implants.
- Fresh Fruits – Any type of fruit is a better choice than the usual sweets like cookies, cake, and pie. Watermelon, strawberries, and melon are just a few nutritious options that can satisfy your sweet tooth!
- Vegetables – Grilled veggies are an absolute must at every cookout! You can throw some sliced zucchini or squash on the grill for a tasty, healthy treat. Not only will they taste great, but they’re easier to eat.
Tips to Maintain a Strong, Healthy Smile
If you are thinking about getting dental implants, here are some tips to keep them strong and healthy this summer:
- Be careful when chewing hard foods (i.e., nuts, ice, popcorn kernels) to avoid breaking your restoration
- Reduce your sugar intake
- Practice good oral hygiene (i.e., brush twice a day, floss daily, rinse daily with an ADA-approved mouthwash)
- Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning
Do you struggle to enjoy your food at the summer cookouts because you have missing teeth? Consider getting dental implants! Before you know it, you’ll be devouring everything on your plate along with everyone else.
About the Practice
At Dental Essentials of Rocky Hill, we provide exceptional and high-quality dental care unlike anywhere else. Our team strives to deliver personalized services to ensure you’re receiving the best treatment possible. For more tips on eating summer foods with dental implants, visit our website or call (860) 563-3766.