You have one more reason to smile this summer because you’ve invested in dental implants. As the next best thing to real teeth, you don’t have to watch what you eat while attending barbecues and other get-togethers. They have the support of your jawbone, so you’ll never have to worry about your replacement teeth moving around in your mouth. Although you can eat anything you want, your dentist has a few words of caution to protect your investment.
Enjoy an Unmatched Biting Force
A dental implant is the only method of mimicking a tooth root. An implant post is placed firmly in your jawbone to provide unmatched support for your restoration. After your bone has healed to the implant, you can regain up to 70% of your natural biting force to enjoy many seasonal foods, including:
- Steak
It’s entirely possible to eat steak with dental implants, but your dentist will instruct you to have it in moderation. Steak requires a lot of chewing, which can put wear and tear on your dental implants. If you can’t resist a juicy steak, tenderize it before it’s cooked. Cut it into small pieces to make it easier to chew.
- Ribs
There’s nothing quite like a rack of ribs right off the grill. Although you can’t wait to dig in, don’t eat the meat off the bone. You can accidentally bite the bone, damaging any natural teeth and dental implants. It’s best to cut the rib meat off before eating it.
- Corn on the Cob
Buttery, sweet corn on the cob can be found at many barbecues across the country. If you enjoy corn on the cob, you know firsthand how difficult it can be to remove kernels trapped between your teeth. Therefore, you should cut the corn off the cob before eating it. If not, you risk kernels getting trapped between your teeth and implants, which can lead to gum inflammation and infections.
Commit to Brushing and Flossing
Whether you’re traveling for the summer or staying at home, commit to keeping your mouth clean. Brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss daily. Although dental implants can’t get cavities, you can be at risk of a preventable infection called peri-implantitis. Committing to good oral hygiene will keep your mouth healthy long past the summer months.
Don’t forget to schedule your semi-annual cleaning and checkup. Your dentist will ensure dental issues don’t interrupt your summer get-togethers.
About Dr. Damon Anderson
Dr. Anderson earned his dental degree at the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and has continued his training in various specialties, like Invisalign, IV sedation, and dental implants. He is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (949) 7998.
