Would you be surprised to learn that sources indicate 2026 will be among the 5 warmest years on record? Thankfully, plenty of cool treats, like popsicles and ice cream, are available this time of year to help you manage the soaring temperatures.
But if you’ve just had dental implants placed, you might wonder which foods are safe to eat during recovery. Most experts recommend steering clear of anything to hard, sticky, crunchy, hot, or spicy to avoid irritating your already-tender tissues. Continue reading to learn more about 3 popular meals you might enjoy this summer while your mouth mends!
Option #1: Ice Cream
Once the post of your implant is placed in your jaw, your mouth must form a blood clot at the site for it to heal properly. Unfortunately, eating foods that are too hot can damage or dislodge it, prolonging your recovery period.
But you also shouldn’t go munching on ice cubes, because biting anything too hard might cause your new tooth to fail. If you’re seeking a soothing, sweet treat, it’s usually safe to have a scoop or two of ice cream. However, keep in mind that ice cream typically contains lots of sugar, which can attract harmful, disease-inducing bacteria in your mouth, so it’s best not to overindulge. Also, try to avoid any flavor options that contain nuts or other small pieces of food that might be difficult to chew.
Option #2: Blended Fruit Smoothies
If you’re seeking a healthier alternative to sugary ice cream, you might try making blended fruit smoothies instead. Some experts recommend including certain ingredients, such as dairy in the form of milk or yogurt, which contains calcium to help build strong teeth and bones, which can help your jaw heal. You might also include oranges, kale, or other citrus fruits and leafy greens that are high in vitamin C to support your connective tissues.
But keep in mind that the force of suction from drinking through a straw can push your blood clot out of place, so it’s best to sip your smoothie directly from the cup.
Option #3: Chilled Soup
Many experts recommend sticking to a liquid diet until your mouth has had enough time to recover, but hot soups can also harm your blood clot or irritate your sensitive gums or jawbone. Thankfully, a quick search online can yield plenty of delicious recipes for cold soups, like Gazpacho.
Plenty of people turn to this popular summer dish to help beat the heat, and because it doesn’t involve biting and chewing, it’s a viable option for patients with dental implants, too.
If you have additional questions about which foods are safe and which ones to avoid as you heal, your dentist can provide more accurate information based on your unique circumstances.
About the Practice
Patients at Tad Morgan, DDS benefit from two providers who are passionate about helping families in Bullard build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Morgan and Dr. Kotzer share decades of combined experience, and today, they collaborate to offer a complete menu of services to people of all ages. They partner with local experts to help ensure implant accuracy and then provide beautiful, lifelike replacement teeth designed to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (903) 825-1112.