A major selling point of dental implants is their strength and stability. They can allow you to eat virtually anything, including items that are difficult or even impossible to consume with traditional dentures. They can provide food freedom! Still, it is important to keep in mind that balance is always necessary. This blog post explores how a healthy diet can help your dental implants last as long as possible.
Eat for Bone Health
The long-term success of your dental implants depends largely on the health of your jaw, so you should make dietary choices that support your bones. Foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D are important! Here are some common foods that are excellent for bone health:
- Dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt
- Fatty fish
- Egg yolks
- Leafy greens
- Nuts
Manage Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is associated with a range of diseases, some of which could compromise the health of your dental implants! Here are some foods that are known to have anti-inflammatory properties:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Fatty fish
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains
- Green tea
Manage Blood Sugar
Uncontrolled diabetes could significantly increase your risk of infections, including ones that could adversely affect your dental implants. Therefore, it is important that you try to keep your blood glucose levels within a certain range. Here are some foods that research suggests may have the potential to control or lower blood sugar:
- Broccoli
- Flaxseed
- Beans and lentils
- Nuts
- Kimchi and other fermented foods
- Leafy greens
- Oats
- Berries
- Avocados
Minimize Alcohol Consumption
It would be best to completely avoid alcohol while you are still healing from dental implant surgery. Once you are recovered, it should be fine to indulge in an occasional beer or glass of wine. However, remember the importance of moderation. Excess alcohol consumption can cause a dry mouth, which increases the risk of dangerous oral infections. It also weakens the immune system and can prevent your body from rebuilding bone cells.
Cut Back on Sweets
For most people, it is perfectly fine to enjoy an occasional sweet treat. However, eating too much sugar (or eating it too frequently) can contribute to a buildup of plaque in the mouth. Plaque, in turn, may accumulate along the gumline and eventually lead to dangerous oral infections. When you eat sugary items, you should brush your teeth soon afterward to minimize the risks to your oral health.
A healthy diet can do much to support your dental implants’ long-term success! Follow the principles in this blog post to enjoy a strong smile that lasts for many years.
Meet the Practice
At Advanced Dentistry of Alhambra, we are proud to feature a team of dental experts that have many years of combined experience. We offer comprehensive dental implant services, including placement, restoration, and maintenance. If you have questions about how to care for your prosthetic teeth, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our office at 626-289-6131.