Why No Dairy After Dental Implant? Let’s Find Out!

Why No Dairy After Dental Implant? Let’s Find Out!

After dental implant surgery, we often wonder what we can eat. Since the procedure is quite costly, we don’t want to waste it on a cheesy slice of pizza the next day. And that’s the right decision, as research shows that dairy products aren’t good for eating post dental implant surgery. In this blog post, we’ll discuss in detail why this is so.

How Dairy Affects Dental Implants

After undergoing dental implant surgery, it’s highly important to allow the new implant to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone and tissues. During this time, certain diets are more beneficial than others. Unfortunately, dairy foods have been linked to complications and infections, presenting an undesirable risk.

We understand that you may think it doesn’t make much sense, as dairy products are rich in calcium, which is great for bone health. However, they are also acidic, and their acid can potentially inhibit the body’s ability to effectively absorb calcium and other essential nutrients. This can potentially slow down the healing process and compromise the success of the implant.

Another reason dairy foods aren’t recommended after dental implant surgery is that they can cause oral infections. The affected mouth area may be sensitive, and dairy products, such as milk and cheese, can contain bacteria that may increase the risk of infection. Avoiding dairy products during the initial recovery period can help minimise the risk of infection and promote a smooth healing process.

What to Replace Dairy With

Fortunately, there are many foods you can replace dairy with during the healing process. We advise choosing leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, as they are high in vitamins, minerals, and fibre. You can also try fortified plant-based milk alternatives, tofu, almonds, and seeds (be careful, though, as the small particles can cause irritation if they get lodged). Incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet can help maintain adequate calcium levels and support optimal healing without compromising your recovery.

Here’s a delicious dairy-free spinach smoothie recipe you may enjoy after your dental implant surgery:

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1 cup coconut water or almond milk (unsweetened)
• Ice cubes (optional, for a colder smoothie)

Instructions:

1. Peel the banana and break it into chunks.
2. In a blender, combine the banana chunks, fresh spinach leaves, frozen mango chunks, frozen pineapple chunks, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, and coconut water or almond milk.
3. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, you can add more coconut water or almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
4. Once blended to your liking, pour the spinach smoothie into glasses and serve immediately.

This dairy-free spinach smoothie is packed with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fibre, and healthy fats from the chia seeds and flaxseed. It’s a refreshing and energising drink that can promote healing after dental implant surgery.

When To Go Back To Usual Diet

It is important to wait until your dentist or surgeon has given you the go-ahead before returning to your regular diet. Low-fat or non-fat dairy alternatives are recommended during the recovery period. However, once there is no risk, you can go back to your favourite ice cream! Just remember to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth afterward, of course!

Overall, while dairy products are typically beneficial for bone health, they may not be the best choice immediately after dental implant surgery. Avoiding dairy during the initial recovery period can help create an optimal environment for healing and reduce the risk of complications.

If you’re interested in booking a dental implant consultation, please contact us today!

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