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What to Eat and Avoid After Getting Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial teeth fitted surgically. They are suitable for individuals who have lost their healthy molars due to poor lifestyle habits, certain health complications, or accidents. The surgical procedure is commonly practiced, and various types of implants are used. But one has to be extremely careful during the recovery period. Doctors recommend specific changes in the daily nutrition plan. Here’s what one can and cannot eat with dental implants.

Foods to eat
After dental surgery, it becomes difficult for patients to chew the regular foods they usually include in their nutrition plan. Keeping this in mind, we have listed a few options that are easier to grind. These supplement daily vitamin, mineral, protein, and even carbohydrate requirements necessary for immunity and a speedy recovery:

Fresh fruits and mashed veggies
Fresh soft fruits with a pulpy center are relatively safe after getting dental implants. There are various options, including bananas, assorted berries, and peaches. The best part about fruits is they can be blended into delicious, nutritious smoothies. Fruit smoothies help curb those hunger pangs since most solid foods will be restricted immediately after the surgery. Among vegetables, mashed potatoes can be served with gravy and butter to supplement daily carb intake.

Eggs and dairy products
Eggs are the most versatile source of protein in the pantry, and there are many ways to prepare them. Hard-boiled, poached, half-fried, scrambled, and omelets are just a few examples. These are the perfect soft foods for a wholesome breakfast after getting dental implants. Add a glass of milk, some cheese slices, and fresh yogurt to help with digestion. Dairy products will replenish the calcium and protein requirements for good oral health. However, dentists recommend avoiding dairy for the first few weeks after surgery.

Soft meats
Chicken, turkey, ground beef, and soft fatty fish are safe to have in moderation. They must be shredded, finely diced, or pureed and can be added to pasta dishes or salads. Also, ensure the meats are slow-cooked and not left raw to lower the risk of infection. Dentists recommend gradually adding back one type of meat at a time, so it is easier to get accustomed to chewing with the new implants. Those who do not prefer meat can opt for tofu.

Cold soups
Avoid hot liquids after the surgery and during the recovery phase. The gums and implants cannot handle the heat, and it takes a couple of weeks for any sensitivity to go down. However, it is perfectly safe to include cold soups and broths made from popular meat cuts, bones, fruits, and vegetables. Popular choices include gazpacho and applesauce. These are easy to eat and pack many nutrients essential for recovery.

Oatmeal
Oats are an essential source of soluble fibers that are great for digestion. They are also easy to make and have for breakfast. Cooked oats can be practically swallowed without chewing too much. Try adding in some assorted berries to give the dish a little extra crunch. This type of crunch will not necessarily hurt the gums and new implants.

Foods to avoid
The list of foods to avoid is long, as many condiments and beverages can worsen the pain or trigger inflammation post surgery. So, we have grouped them into two broad categories:

Crunchy, sticky, and sweet foods
Avoid anything that has a hard outer shell, is extremely sticky, or tough to chew. It can damage the new molars, and a lot of residue gets left behind in the crevices of the teeth. The tiny leftover particles become a breeding ground for bacteria. Foods like steak, raw vegetables, popcorn, chips, processed snacks, baked goods, candied caramel, toffees, and baked confectionaries should be eliminated from the menu. Some alternatives like muffins are acceptable, but ensure there are fewer chocolate chips and no rich, sugary filling within the baked delight. Sugar residues increase the risk of bacterial infections and can also increase the risk of other health conditions.

Spicy, acidic, and hot foods
Anything that contains capsaicin, the main spice ingredient found in hot peppers, is a strict no-no when creating a meal plan after dental implant surgery. The heat can irritate the gums and muscles surrounding the newly placed molars and worsen teeth sensitivity. Besides dishes that feature hot peppers and spices, it is best to avoid fruits, vegetables, and beverages rich in acidic content. Oranges, tomatoes, and flavored sodas can damage the enamel and expose the dentin. Further, avoid beverages like tea, coffee, or piping hot soups. Dentists recommend the elimination schedule for at least a week or two after the procedure.

Other tips for a speedy recovery
Besides changes in daily nutrition, the following healthy habits can help speed up recovery and lower the risk of complications:

Eat balanced meals
Plan and portion out meals wisely to get a daily dose of nutrition and prevent unwanted hunger pangs. Never skip a meal, as the first few days post surgery can be a little problematic with the new set of teeth.

Maintain proper oral hygiene
Try to brush, floss, gargle, and rinse after every major meal. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential to lower the risk of bacterial infections.

Take good rest and care
It is advisable to take good rest during the recovery period. Also, ensure all treatments and topical gels are used as per the dentist’s instructions and on time. Skipping a single dose can cause delays in recovery and may also trigger unwanted pain.

If pain or discomfort persists during the recovery phase, immediate attention is advisable. Consult with a dentist at the earliest. Depending on the situation, they can modify the ongoing recovery plan or create a custom list of foods to eat and avoid with dental implants.

Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cellâs ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cellâs ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the bodyâs reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

Tips to Prepare for a Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants are recommended by healthcare experts to deal with missing or decayed teeth. When the procedure is done right, an implant can last for several decades. About 2.3 million implant-supported crowns are made annually in the country. However, getting dental implants can mean procedures that are carried out over months. So one must be prepared to ensure proper care and avoid stress. Here is everything one should know about getting implants: Understanding dental implants Before understanding what one should do before dental implant treatment, it is important to understand dental implants. A dental implant is a surgery that replaces the tooth roots with screw-like metal posts. These implants replace damaged or missing teeth using artificial teeth. The new implants work and feel just like original teeth. The surgery is a suitable alternative to dentures or bridgework that may not work well for certain patients. It is also suitable for patients that lack natural teeth roots as this does not allow for building dentures or bridgework tooth replacements. Here are a few tips for planning for dental implant treatment: Get a comprehensive dental examination The first step in preparing for a dental implant procedure is to undergo a comprehensive dental examination. A complete dental exam helps a dentist determine whether a patient can undergo the procedure. This involves x-rays, a visual exam, and examining the patientâs healthcare records. Patients who need implants and have a weak or suppressed immune system may require antibiotics before and after each oral surgery. Those allergic to certain anesthetics or other dental equipment may require alternatives prescribed by a dentist. If a patient is undergoing treatment for other conditions, the dentist might choose to alter the treatment plan for the dental implant procedure. A dentist may consider placing the implant and abutment during a single surgery if an individual has a healthy immune system. What's more? The dentist should be able to fit the crown in the same session. Ask questions Once the dentist prepares a course of treatment, the patient must ask questions about the procedure. One can ask about the steps of their procedure or the preparations needed before and after the procedure. Asking about dos and donâts is essential information that can put one's mind at ease. Further, the patient can learn how the dentist will numb the surgical site. The numbing is generally done using a local or general anesthetic. Ultimately, asking relevant questions will ensure that one is well-versed with the procedure one will undergo. Get the jaw ready Sometimes the jaw is not capable of anchoring the implant properly. Here's where the patient might need to improve the jaw structure before getting an implant. A bone graft might be required if the jaw is too thin or soft to hold an implant. Dentists might also smoothen or reshape the jaw as required. A large or bulky jaw might call for the removal of certain bones from the structure. A dentist might also remove impacted teeth found inside the jaw during the procedure. After the jaw has healed, the oral expert will initiate the dental implant procedures. Further, one may have to fast for half a day before getting implants. Prepare for aftercare A procedure results in swelling and soreness that may last for a few days, making it difficult to chew. So, before getting an implant, a patient must stock up on soft food that they can have after the procedure. Also, stocking up on painkiller prescriptions before the surgery may also save one the trouble of visiting a pharmacy later on. Patients should also apply for two to three days of leave from work and avoid social gatherings to get adequate rest. One must maintain a light schedule for about a week after the dental procedure. Another activity to avoid is heavy exercise. Further, those with kids should make arrangements for childcare or get help for at least two days after the oral surgery. Start with prescription treatment A patient who has agreed to dental surgery may be advised to take prescription antibiotics before the procedure. These antibiotics work as a substitute immune system to protect the body through surgical procedures. A dental implant may also require prescription immunosuppressants following a procedure. This helps prevent the body from attacking the implants and gives them space to heal. Those with chronic conditions should also take antibiotics before and after dental implant surgery following a consultation with their doctor. Follow the dentistâs instructions The dentist will come up with a reasonable treatment plan. So, patients must ensure they follow each guideline set by the healthcare expert for a successful surgical experience. This includes instructions to follow before and after a procedure. This may include limiting certain foods and beverages. The dentist might also ask the patient to stop taking certain prescriptions before treatment. Failing to follow the dentistâs guidelines might delay the surgery or lead to unwanted complications. Ensure appropriate aftercare A dental implant is a suitable replacement for real teeth and may not develop cavities. However, the implant may deteriorate if the gum tissue around it and underlying bone support are not clean and healthy. So, maintaining good oral hygiene can keep the gums healthy. This includes brushing at least twice daily and flossing once a day. One should also avoid clenching or grinding the implants after they have been surgically placed. Doing so applies force and pressure on the implants and other natural teeth, which may result in cracks. These cracks may lead to loose implants that will deteriorate much faster than anticipated. Regular checkups following surgery are also crucial for ensuring that dental implants and gums are healthy. Regular examinations may also help the dentist detect and prevent potential oral diseases.