About Me

Show Your Teeth Some Respect

Think about how many times per day you rely on your teeth. You use them to chew breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. You press your tongue against them to make certain sounds when you speak. There's really no doubt about it — your teeth are important, and they deserve your respect. You can pay them that respect by visiting your dentist for regular cleaning and checkup appointments. You should also call at the first sign of dental pain, tooth discoloration, or other oral health changes. Read more about dentists and dentistry here on this blog, where we dive deep into related topics.

Search

Latest Posts

Show Your Teeth Some Respect

Foods And Drinks To Avoid If You Have Dental Implants

by April Myers

Dental implants allow you to chew and enjoy all of your favorite foods, enhance your appearance, and even correct an irregular bite. However, there are certain foods and beverages that your dentist may want you to avoid to make sure that your implants last for a very long time. Stay away from the following foods and drinks if you have dental implants.

Popcorn

Popcorn should be avoided if you have dental implants. It has a reputation of getting stuck in between the teeth, which is usually only a minor annoyance when you have your natural teeth. If, however, you have implants, the popcorn can get stuck in the area in which the implant has been placed.

This can lead to severe pain, bleeding gums, and inflammation. If the popcorn does not come out, a soft tissue infection may develop. If left untreated, a smoldering infection can damage the bones that support your implant rod, raising the risk for implant failure.

If you have a piece of popcorn stuck in the area where your implant has been placed, see your dentist as soon as possible. He or she will remove the popcorn, and if the area is infected, antibiotics will be prescribed. Like popcorn, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and even strawberry seeds can also get stuck inside the soft tissue surrounding your implants, and should also be avoided.

Hot Beverages

Hot coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and even hot soups should be avoided until they have cooled. Dental implants contain metal screws, and when you consume hot beverages, the metal can heat up, and in extreme cases, cause burns and damage to your gums and underlying bone.

Over time, consuming hot beverages may cause the structures that support your implants to weaken, which may cause the implant to loosen or even fall out. Because your natural teeth do not contain metal components, they are not susceptible to this type of heating and subsequent gum damage. Dental implants can restore your self-confidence, enhance your smile, and keep your mouth healthy, however, you need to follow your dentist's instructions so that they can last a lifetime.

To learn more about other things you should avoid if you have implants, talk to your dentist. You have made a financial investment in your health and appearance by getting implants, and because of this, you will need to take good care of them and see your dentist on a regular basis.

Contact a dentist such as Smile City to talk about dental implants and their maintenance. 

Share