Dental Prosthetics and Diet: What to Eat and Avoid
Posted on 6/15/2024 by Dr. David Wanserski |
 Getting dental prosthetics like implants, crowns, or bridges is a significant investment. While beautifully restoring your smile, these restorations also require some extra care when eating to prevent damage. The good news is that protecting dental work does not mean restricting the enjoyment of delicious and nutritious foods. With some simple guidelines on what to eat and what to avoid, you can confidently follow an oral health-supportive diet suited to dental prosthetics.
Chew Carefully With Dental Prosthetics
Regardless of prosthetic type, chewing mindfully prevents damage. Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky foods. Take small bites and fully break down food before swallowing. Initially, cut firmer items into small pieces. This protects against fracturing or dislodging dental work.
Get Your Calcium
Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese provide bone-strengthening calcium, which is important for supporting implants. Tofu, leafy greens, fortified milk, and juices also supply ample calcium. This mineral keeps jawbones healthy and sturdy to anchor prosthetics.
Lean Protein
Soft meats like scrambled eggs, ground turkey, and tuna salad offer protein without a tough chew. Beans, lentils, and tofu are plant-based proteins that will not stress delicate prosthetics. Protein fuels healing from oral surgery for dental work placement.
Fruits and Vegetables
Favor soft, vitamin-rich produce like ripe bananas, steamed carrots, and broccoli florets initially after getting prosthetics. Once comfortable, crunchier options like apples or celery are fine if cut first. Avoiding husks, seeds, and skins further minimizes chewing strain.
Stay Hydrated
Sip plenty of room temperature water after undergoing oral surgery and adjusting to new dental prosthetics. Cool beverages can be painful or sensitivity-provoking initially. Drinking adequate fluids prevents cracking or irritating healing of oral sites.
Foods to Avoid Entirely
Hard candies, ice cubes, nuts, and popcorn must be avoided, as they can easily damage prosthetics and irritate sites. Excessively hot drinks or soups can also distort bridge and denture materials. Talk to your prosthodontist about individual diet advice.
Protect Your Dental Prosthetic Investment
By selecting softer, nutritious choices, allowing time for adjustment, and using caution, dental prosthetics can be maintained for optimal service life. Contact us with any food-related questions!
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