The saying goes you are what you eat. Well, not literally, but the concept is sound: you put good in your body, you’ll get good out of it. Nowhere in the body illustrates this more than your mouth. If you have dental implants, the foods and drinks you consume can have a direct effect on how long your replacements last. Obviously, other habits like daily brushing and flossing and visiting the dentist regularly are essential, but making smart diet choices can lend a huge helping hand to a lifetime of enjoying dental implants. How does your diet impact your prosthetic teeth’s lifespan? Keep reading to learn more!
Less Sugar and Fewer Carbs Control Bacteria.
When it comes to your diet, some of the worst foods you can have are full of sugar or carbs. These substances—whether in drinks, snacks, side dishes, or desserts—fuel harmful bacteria. If fed and allowed to thrive, these bacteria will infect your gums and jawbone, putting your dental implants at serious risk of a short lifespan. Reducing how much sugar you consume can substantially help limit bacterial growth in the mouth, ensuring your dental implants last a long time.
Gum-Friendly Foods Protect Against Implant Failure.
While you need to avoid “bad” foods and drinks, there are plenty of options that actually fight against infection and implant failure. Vitamin C-rich foods tend to reinforce your body’s immune system and prevent disease from taking over. Some examples of these foods include bell peppers, leafy greens, broccoli, and more. Other foods have antibacterial properties, such as green or black tea, yogurt, and raw vegetables. Feeding your body these types of substances can keep your gums healthy and your dental implants strong.
Foods That Build Strong Bones Protect Dental Implants.
A critical requirement for dental implants is sufficient support from the jawbone. Without this stability and density, implants will become loose and insecure, eventually coming out altogether. To strengthen your jawbone, calcium and Vitamin D need to be part of your regular diet. Cheese and other dairy products give these to your body, but other sources like fortified plant-based milk can be just as beneficial.
Occasional indulgence shouldn’t derail your smile, but making smart decisions with the foods you eat and beverages you drink can help determine whether your dental implants last for a few years or an entire lifetime! Give your smile the best chances of success by putting good things into your body and limiting the bad.
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Tomaszewski is often called “Dr. Steve” by his patients and finds great pride in helping patients restore their smiles after tooth loss. During his service in the US Navy Dental Corps, he served in a humanitarian mission in Pakistan to help locals with their oral health. To ensure successful outcomes for our patients, Dr. Steve works with specialists in the area and actively strives to keep dental implants and natural teeth in excellent shape. If you have dental implants and want to preserve them for the long term, reach out to Camellia City Family Dentistry online or call the Slidell office at 985-641-4444 to schedule an appointment.