So, you’ve invested in dental implants – congratulations. This is a big step toward reclaiming your smile. Many people have a common question: Can you chew gum with dental implants? We’ll address this question and explore caring for your new teeth.
It's normal to have questions about life after implants. You’ve made a significant investment in your oral health, so you naturally want to protect it. “Can you chew gum with dental implants?” is a question we hear often at Affordable Dentist Near Me in Tyler. Let's clear up any confusion so you can make the best decisions about your oral care.
Chewing Gum and Dental Implants: The Facts
Getting dental implants is a process. It starts with implant surgery, where the implant is placed in your jawbone. A healing period follows, the process called osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the jawbone. This creates a stable base for your dental crown.
Can You Chew Gum With Dental Implants After They Heal?
Once osseointegration is complete and your implant crown is in place, your chewing ability improves. You can technically chew gum. However, there are important precautions to keep in mind.
Choose sugar-free gum. Sugary gums can stick to your implants and increase the risk of problems.
Avoid chewing gum immediately after the implant crown is put in. The dental cement needs time to set. Even after your implants heal, avoid sticky or hard gums. These can stress your implant.
Moderation is essential. Even with sugar-free gum, don’t overdo it. Excessive chewing puts extra pressure on the implant and can contribute to implant failure, so it is important to keep this in mind during the recovery period.
Maintaining a Healthy Smile: Tips from Dr. Mike Pham
At Affordable Dentist Near Me in Tyler, Dr. Mike Pham emphasizes comprehensive implant care. This includes food choices and an effective oral hygiene routine. Maintaining healthy implants and gums involves some good habits like regular dental visits and cleanings, balanced nutrition, and a good dental hygiene routine.
Smart Food Choices for Happy Implants
A 2013 article suggests a diet consisting primarily of soft foods after dental implant surgery, which helps with healing by minimizing inflammation during the initial recovery period. What food particles are good for those who have dental implants?
Good choices include soft fruits and vegetables like bananas, as well as protein like scrambled eggs. Nutrient-rich options such as oatmeal or soups can also provide your body with necessary nutrients for quicker recovery. Patients that undergo dental implant surgery often struggle to adjust their diet according to how the implant heals.
Whole grains are also great nutritional choices. Be sure to avoid sticky foods.
Foods to Enjoy | Foods to Limit |
Soft fruits and vegetables (cooked applesauce, mashed potatoes, bananas). | Hard, crunchy snacks (chips, pretzels, popcorn). |
Protein (scrambled eggs, tofu, yogurt). | Sticky sweets (caramels, gummies). |
Oatmeal and other whole grains. | Foods requiring excessive chewing (steak, hard candies). |
Soups (avoid very hot soups initially). |
Smoothies (avoid seeds or pits). |
What can you take on your oral hygiene visits?
Dr. Pham recommends avoiding hard, crunchy foods, even after healing. He advises implant patients against using their teeth as tools. Protecting your investment means being prepared for oral hygiene cleanings at our Tyler, TX office. For your next appointment you can find us available at pm Friday, and if that doesn't work you can find another pm Saturday appointment.
Dental Implants and Chewing Gum
Dr. Pham, a dental implant expert, says gum isn’t forbidden, but mindful chewing is important. Implants restore chewing function similar to natural teeth. However, they still require care to ensure their long-term health.
Tips for Chewing Gum with Dental Implants
If you chew gum with implants, start small. Smaller bites reduce pressure and help avoid dislodging a new crown.
Chew using both sides of your mouth at the same time. This distributes pressure evenly. It may also help to prevent TMJ issues caused by favoring one side of the mouth. Select sugar-free gum when chewing with dental implants.
Affordable Dental Implants in Fort Worth
At Affordable Dentist Near Me in Tyler, we offer financing options for dental implants. We understand it’s an investment and want to make it attainable. If you undergo dental implants you want to find great payment options that suit your budget.
Making Implants Accessible to Everyone
Our monthly payment plans make tooth replacement accessible. We encourage our customers to discuss payment options with us to find a plan that works for them. Financing options are readily available for you and Saturday appointments can be made as needed.
Conclusion
Can you chew gum with dental implants? With the right approach and an implant expert like Dr. Pham, you can. The answer after healing is generally yes. But be sure to stick to sugar free gum and chew carefully. Smart food choices and good oral hygiene help protect this investment. Remember to keep dental hygiene in mind at all times and you'll find yourself much happier post-surgery.
Can you chew gum with dental implants? Contact Affordable Dentist Near Me today to learn more.
Schedule a Free New Patient Consultation at Affordable Dentist Near Me. 179 Dollar Valu.e. Dr Pham, DDS