During the summer, countless people spend time soaking up the sun’s rays through outdoor cookouts, pool parties, and days at the beach. Whether you’re traveling near, far, or spending the season relaxing at home, tasty summer foods are a must. For those with missing teeth, eating some of these foods can be difficult. It can also be tricky for those who have replaced their teeth with dentures, which are known for slipping when people try to speak or eat. Fortunately, dental implants don’t have that issue. Read on to learn about a few summer foods that you can effortlessly eat with dental implants as well as how to make your new smile last.
How Dental Implants Let You Enjoy Summer Foods
Dental implants are posts that can be made from titanium or zirconia. They are inserted through the gums and into the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. The implants are then topped off with a dental crown, dentures, or another restoration to complete the look of your smile.
Unlike traditional dentures, implants are completely stable. This is because a process called osseointegration allows them to fuse with the jawbone. With proper oral hygiene at home, a dentist-approved diet, and biannual dental visits, dental implants can last a lifetime.
3 Summer Foods You Can Enjoy with Dental Implants
Having false or missing teeth can make summer harder to enjoy since you have to skip some seasonal foods. Since dental implants are much more stable than tooth replacement options like dentures, this means that you can eat some of your favorite summer foods without running into any issues. A few summer foods you can enjoy with dental implants include:
- Corn on the cob
- Tough meats like steak
- Salads with lots of croutons
A Few Tips to Keep Your Smile Pristine
Dental implants are durable, but they aren’t indestructible. Eating the foods that are too hard or sticky such as caramel apples and peanut brittle can lead to implant damage, so it’s best to avoid them. A few other ways to protect your implants from harm and make them last longer include:
- Avoid bad dental habits – This includes things like using your teeth as tools and chewing on ice cubes and other non-food items.
- Cut back on sweets – This will lessen your risk of developing cavities in your remaining teeth.
- Practice good oral hygiene – Brush your teeth twice and floss once daily to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria from your mouth.
If you currently have dental implants or are about to get them, be prepared to throw down on your favorite summer foods. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal by the pool and enjoying the season to the fullest!
About the Practice
Patients who live in Las Cruces or one of the surrounding communities are in good hands with Dr. Natalie J. Ortiz, Dr. Ramon M. Ortiz, and their friendly team at Painted Skies Dental Center. If you’re missing one or more teeth, they offer dental implants that can fill in the gaps in your grins and allow you to enjoy your favorite summer foods this season. If you’re interested in learning more about Painted Skies Dental Center’s oral health services or want to schedule an appointment with their skilled team, call 575) 521-8720 or visit their website to get started today.