Why no dairy after dental implants? Has this question left you confused as many of your friends have suggested you avoid dairy for a few weeks after getting dental implants?
Getting dental implants is a costly affair and we understand that you do not want it to fail. While traditionally in several cultures people avoid consuming dairy products after dental procedures, however, this is not correct. Studies show that people must consume pasteurized dairy products after getting dental implants. (except people with lactose intolerance or people who are vegan)
You heard it right, unlike common misconception milk does not affect the healing of dental implants negatively. On the contrary, studies 1 reveal that dairy products have a positive impact on your dental health.
What People Do Not Consider Eating Dairy After Dental Implant Surgery?
Dairy is a rich source of calcium and other nutrients that help in healing, however, unpasteurized milk can be a source of infection. So you can consume soft dairy products but you must ensure that they are pasteurized. Unpasteurized milk can act as a breeding ground for bacterial infection in your mouth. Also unpasteurized dairy can expose you to several infections.
While it is safe to use pasteurized dairy products you must avoid dairy products that can put excessive pressure on your gums while chewing. Also, you must avoid sticky food as it may get stuck at the implant site.
What foods should you avoid after dental implants?
Dental implants help to fill in the gaps in your smile. To ensure that your smile is brighter you must avoid certain foods that may delay or hamper healing. The foods you must avoid include:
Hard and crunchy foods:
During the first few weeks after getting a dental implant, avoid hard and crunchy foods. Hard and crunchy foods can loosen dental implants. Implants can also be damaged by these foods.
Spicy Foods:
Avoid consuming spicy food as its pungent flavor can irritate and cause discomfort at surgical sites. In addition, spicy food can decrease the pain threshold, making you more sensitive to pain as a result
Sticky food:
Sticky food tends to stick on surfaces, if they stick and cling to the implant site they can act as a breeding ground for bacteria.
Hot Food and Beverages:
After implants, people often ask if they can have coffee after dental implant surgery. The tissues surrounding an implant tend to change irreversibly when they are exposed to warm foods and beverages. Also, there are changes in the titanium implants due to the transfer of heat and temperature changes which can also decrease the success rate of dental implants.
Avoid consuming a diet that has high fat or fructose content:
People with diabetes who have gotten dental implants must avoid food that is rich in fats and fruits that have high sugar content. Studies show that fatty food and fruits that have high sugar content delay the fusion of dental implants with the bones.
What Foods Should You Consume After Getting Dental Implants?
Soon after getting dental implants we generally get a lot of suggestions on which kind of food we must avoid, however, we rarely hear people who suggest the correct food that we must consume after getting a dental implant.
Food plays a crucial role in healing. To ensure that your dental implants and bones fuse fast you must ensure to eat nutritious food. You must consume soft cold food and must eat food at regular intervals in small portions.
Include proteins in your diet to enhance healing. You can include soft-cooked tender meat, fish, or eggs in your diet as they are rich sources of protein. Vegetarian and vegan people can include soft well-cooked pulses, kidney beans, or chickpeas in their diet.
After Getting Dental Implants, When Will I Be Able To Eat Normally Again?
After getting dental implants it is quite common for you to wonder when you can restart to eat normally. There are no fixed days for it. The days mainly depend on various factors like your age, gender, placement of implants, overall health, and your lifestyle.
Several researches have shown that women tend to take a longer time to heal after getting a dental implant. Also, implants placed in the inter canine area tend to take a longer recovery time.
Older adults and people with diabetes, people who smoke tobacco or consume alcohol may also experience delayed healing.
Generally, it takes around 1-6 weeks to recover after getting your dental implants. The fusion of your dental implant with your bone may take up to 6-9 months.
Conclusion:
Dental implants do not just fill the gaps in your smile but also fill you with confidence. The decision to get a dental implant is one of the decisions you make after doing thorough research and considering its cost.
While you paid a hefty price to get them you must ensure that you eat the correct things to fasten healing. You must avoid certain foods that may delay the healing or may cause failed dental implants like hard and crunchy food, spicy and hot food, and beverages.
While there are several myths associated with things you must eat and avoid after getting dental implants. One such food is dairy products. In this blog, we have answered why no dairy after a dental implant is a half-truth. Yes, you can have dairy products after getting dental implants but those dairy products must be pasteurized.
Remember, a successful dental implant experience depends on following your dentist’s specific aftercare instructions. This includes dietary recommendations tailored to your individual situation. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist about incorporating dairy products into your diet.
At Know Your Health we are here to help you find the best dental practitioner near you for your dental implants based on your preferences.
FAQ:
1. Can I drink milk after dental implants?
Yes, you can have your cup of milk without any worries after your dental implants, but the milk must be pasteurized. By using pasteurized milk you reduce your chances of developing any infection at the dental implant site.
2. Can I eat yogurt after getting dental implants?
Some studies have shown that yogurt, which is rich in probiotics, is great at healing any wounds in the mouth. However, you must follow the recommendation of your dentist.
3. Can I eat ice cream after dental implants?
Yes, you can have ice cream soon after getting dental implants. The col ice cream can help to reduce inflammation. However, people with diabetes must ensure that the ice cream does not have high fat and sugar content in it. High-fat and too-sweet ice creams can delay healing.
