4 Summer Foods You’ll Be Able to Enjoy with Dental Implants

If you wear dentures due to missing multiple teeth, there are probably several foods that you tend to stay away from since they prove too difficult to chew. Having limits on your diet can put a damper on your summer. However, dental implants can change all that. Once they have bonded with your jaw and have been topped with lifelike prosthetic teeth, they will allow you to eat virtually anything you want! Below are 4 summer foods you’ll be able to enjoy once the dental implant process is complete.

1. Corn on the Cob

Traditional denture wearers are often forced to take their corn off the cob to avoid damaging their prosthesis. But with dental implants, that won’t be an issue. Implant posts that have joined with the jawbone are very sturdy, so you won’t have any problems eating your corn while it’s still on the cob.

You will want to be mindful of just how hard you’re biting; you don’t want to do any damage to your implant restoration by accident. Also, it may still be a good idea to cut your corn from the cob if the kernels are getting stuck between your teeth too easily.

2. Tough Grilled Meats

Steak, pork chops, and other meats grilled to perfection outside are very popular during the summer, but they can be difficult to chew with traditional dentures. But since dental implants don’t slip out of place, they will allow you to enjoy these meats without issue.

Always cut steak and other meats into relatively small bites; you’ll want to minimize the risk of them getting stuck between your teeth. To be on the safe side, be sure to brush and floss thoroughly after your meal.

3. Apples

Like many fruits, apples are packed full of important nutrients. Not only that, but they can also help clean your smile while you’re chewing them. Trying to bite an apple with dentures can be problematic, but it will become much easier with dental implants.

Note that like the other foods listed here, apples are best enjoyed once your mouth has fully recovered from the dental implant process. If the implant posts were placed recently, it’s better to stick to healthy, soft foods for the time being.

4. Nuts

Nuts can make a great in-between meal snack during the summer. Like many hard foods, nuts are usually not a good choice for traditional denture wearers, but they’re a perfectly feasible option for people with dental implants.

Be aware of the sodium content of any nuts you eat. Sodium has the potential to reduce your body’s calcium levels and weaken the enamel protecting your remaining natural teeth. It’s best to enjoy high-sodium nuts in moderation.

About the Author

Dr. Roger Morton has been solving a variety of oral health issues for over 20 years. He studied dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He favors a team approach for dental implants, partnering with the top specialists in the area. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Morton at Wylie Family Dentistry, visit his website or call (972) 442-5599.