Do you love your dental implants? You might’ve been getting good use of them ever since they fully healed. With 90% of your original bite back, it can be a relief to dig into your favorite foods without worries about slippage. This tooth replacement can last for decades, but what you eat can affect its longevity. Here’s how nutrition comes into play with your full smile and tips to follow a healthy diet.
How Does My Nutrition Affect My Dental Implants?
Your dental implants are strong and sturdy because they fuse with your jawbone. This supporting structure also needs to stay dense, so it’s important you get the vitamins and minerals it needs for this. If you don’t, then the bone can become weaker or increase your risk of infection. Over time, these problems can make your results wobbly or even fail when left untreated.
So, What Foods Can Support My Full Smile?
Since a balanced diet is good for your oral and overall health, you might wonder which foods you should stock up on. Here are a few options to reach for:
- Lean proteins are effective for the nutrients needed for gum tissue repair and healing. Chicken, fish, and beans are a few tasty ones.
- Leafy greens have vitamin C, which can aid in reducing inflammation. Kale and spinach are a couple of easy ingredients you can add to dishes or smoothies.
- Whole grains have fiber and vitamins, which are good for your well-being.
- Berries, citrus, and peppers are rich in vitamin C, while also being a good snacking option.
- Dairy products are full of calcium, which can keep your bones strong. Cheese and yogurt are a few that you can add to your diet.
What Else Can I Do for Stronger Dental Implants?
While a healthy diet can support your dental implants, don’t forget to brush and floss twice daily. Your dental hygiene routine can get rid of bacteria in your mouth that cause problems in the first place. That way, you reduce your risk of oral issues. It’s important to have routine checkups with your dentist as well. By having semi-annual visits, they can watch for signs of failure and keep your full smile in great shape.
In the end, what you eat can have a big impact on this tooth replacement. While switching your diet can be tough at first, sticking to it can help it become a habit. A few people find success in following a meal plan and making portions ahead of time; that way, they are easy to grab on the go. It may seem like a small change, but it can be effective at keeping your restored grin strong.
About the Practice
Interested in dental implants? Our team at BPS Periodontics is proud to offer this service to patients in local communities who have missing teeth. With two periodontists and a dentist on staff, we stay at your side throughout this treatment, so you’re in our expert care every step of the way. If you have any questions about caring for this tooth replacement, schedule an appointment or call our Simsbury or Farmington office.