As with any surgery, getting dental implants will require you to take some time to rest and recover. Part of a smooth recovery involves being very mindful of what you’re exposing your mouth and the implant site to. With that in mind, here are some common foods and drinks you’ll want to avoid while you recuperate.
Hard, Crunchy Food
Exerting the extra pressure necessary to chew hard, crunchy foods isn’t good for the surgical area. Small pieces of these types of foods could even get stuck in the incision site and cause infection!
So, until your dentist says otherwise, steer clear of:
- Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, almonds, pecans, and sunflower seeds.
- Raw vegetables: Carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers (try cooked vegetables instead as they’re much softer).
- Snacks: Chips, crackers, pretzels, popcorn, hard candy.
- Cereals: Granola, cornflakes.
Some Like It Hot
Many people enjoy hot and spicy dishes, but unfortunately, they can irritate the incision site and interfere with the healing process. Hot peppers, salsa, hot wings, spicy curries, and dishes made with chili or hot sauce should be avoided.
Alcohol
It may be tempting to have a beer or cocktail after implant surgery to take the edge off your discomfort. It’s totally understandable, but alcohol could very well have the reverse effect of increasing pain and swelling.
Instead, make water your drink of choice, and lots of it, especially if your dental team administered general anesthesia during your surgery.
Foods High in Acidity
Acidic foods and drinks are known culprits of causing pain when they come into contact with the healing area. You should especially avoid coffee like the plague as it’s not only high in acid, but its hot temperature can also disturb the implant site or even cause bleeding. Also, bypass citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges.
Sticky or Chewy Foods
Chewy, sticky foods not only cling to your teeth and gums, but they also require a lot of chewing. Your mouth needs a break during recovery. They may also be difficult to remove without irritating the surgical area.
With that in mind, it would be wise to lay off foods like:
- Caramel.
- Chewing gum.
- Taffy.
- Gummy candies.
- Jerky.
It’s best to wait until your dentist tells you it’s safe to return to these foods.
What Foods Are Good for Recovery?
Basically, you want to eat foods that are soft but also offer nutritional value. Remember, qualities like protein, fiber, and vitamins give your body the fuel it needs for a speedy recovery!
You can get plenty of easy-to-chew protein from choices such as Greek yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese, and fish. Mashed potatoes, cooked oatmeal, and bananas represent good, soft carbohydrates, while applesauce is a great source of fiber and vitamin C.
A soft, nutritious diet is an essential part of a smooth recovery from dental implant surgery. Another part is sticking to your dentist’s aftercare instructions, including when you can return to a normal diet. Until then, make sure your kitchen is stocked with easy-to-chew foods and keep the ibuprofen handy!
About the Author
Dr. Aliana Henkin’s gentle, compassionate manner combined with her background and training make her an excellent candidate to provide you with dental implant treatment. She was recognized as one of the most dedicated and hard-working students in her class at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, has completed advanced courses in implantology, and is a member of the International Dental Implant Association. Dr. Henkin places implants in-house and her office has multiple payment options available, including dental financing. Book your dental implant consultation online or by calling our Wayne, NJ office at (732) 638-0600.