Whether you’re missing most or all of your teeth, the All-on-4® treatment concept is a revolutionary procedure in restorative dentistry. It can help restore full functionality to your mouth and a brand-new smile.
The All-on-4® treatment consists of a surgical procedure designed to restore an entire arch of teeth using just four strategically placed titanium implants in either the upper or lower jawbone or both. It provides a secure, long-term solution for a full set of teeth and is a great alternative to dentures.
Recovering from the All-on-4® dental implant surgery is exciting as you move towards restoring your smile, confidence, and oral health. Having a full set of teeth can make a world of difference when it comes to physical and mental health.
However, it’s important to remember how your eating habits may change when you get All-on-4®. Although All-on-4® teeth look and function similarly, you will need to adjust your diet, especially during the recovery process.
What you eat and how you eat will massively impact the recovery process, implant stability, osseointegration, and overall success. Eating the right foods ensures proper nutrition, which can accelerate recovery and set the foundation for long-term oral and systemic health.
In this article, we’ll discuss how nutrition impacts the All-on-4® recovery process, which foods to prioritise or avoid, and general information about when you can start transitioning to a normal diet.
Whether you’re preparing for the All-on-4® surgery or you’re navigating recovery, understanding the link between nutrition and oral health is the key to optimal results.
How Nutrition Affects All-on-4® Recovery
Nutrition plays a massive impact on All-on-4® recovery and how the body recovers in general. For example, some foods contain nutrients that help reduce inflammation, whilst others are good for muscle recovery.
Eating the right foods and getting the proper nutrients can help with pain management, recovery, the osseointegration process, maintaining energy, and more. These are all critical to the All-on-4® recovery process.
When it comes to nutrition, you want to look out for proteins, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. A well-balanced diet should include all of them and will positively contribute to your recovery process. Protein is good for tissue repair, while vitamins C and D can boost immune function and bone integration. Omega-3 can help reduce inflammation.
The Best Foods To Eat For Oral Health
Diet plays a crucial role in oral health, and eating the right foods is just as important as maintaining good oral hygiene habits, like regular flossing and brushing. Eating foods that are high in sugar or acid can negatively impact oral health and overall well-being.
While you can’t see or taste them, the mouth is home to a range of different microbes, including germs like bacteria. For the most part, these tiny microbes are harmless and can even be helpful, but they can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease, which is why good food is essential.
Sugar is essentially food for the bad bacteria in your mouth and facilitates their growth. This can lead to the formation of plaque, gum disease, and tooth demineralisation. A poor diet filled with low-nutrition, high-sugar foods can also impact the recovery of procedures, including All-on-4®.
If you’re looking for the best foods to eat to improve your oral health, it’s recommended to start by removing any sugary or starchy foods from your diet. For healthy teeth and gums, you’ll want to have a diet consisting of nutrient-rich foods from all the food groups.
This means maintaining a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, high-protein foods, calcium-rich foods, and whole grains. Below, we’ve compiled a list of a few healthy foods you can add to your diet to improve oral health.
Calcium-rich food
- Low-fat or fat-free milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
Calcium plays a major role in oral health. It strengthens the enamel of your teeth, which is what protects them from erosion and cavities. Calcium also contributes to jawbone development, which provides a strong and stable foundation for the rest of your mouth.
Leafy greens
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Kale
Leafy greens are important to add to your diet because they’re rich in calcium, folic acid, and other important vitamins that your teeth and gums will love.
Nuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Brazil nuts
Nuts are packed with important vitamins and elements like calcium and phosphorous. Almonds, cashews, and Brazil nuts, in particular, can help fight bacteria that lead to tooth decay and stimulate saliva production.
Fruit & Vegetables
- Broccoli
- Kiwis
- Strawberries
- Sweet potatoes
- Garlic
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Apples
- Pears
Protein
- Eggs
- Chicken breast
- Lentils
- Fish
- Quinoa
Protein isn’t only available from red meat. There is a variety of healthy sources of protein available, including for vegans and vegetarians. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissue, which is important for recovery, as well as maintaining your body’s pH and fluid balance. It also acts as an energy source for the body.
Water is by far the healthiest beverage available. Staying hydrated is important for oral health, skin, and overall well-being. Water and staying hydrated are also important for the recovery process of procedures like All-on-4®. Inadequate hydration increases the risk of complications.
For the All-on-4® procedure, it’s essential to follow a nutrient-rich diet that includes the proper vitamins, minerals, and protein. This will help ensure a positive recovery experience.
Foods To Avoid To Protect Your New Smile
While All-on-4® teeth are designed to be long-lasting and durable, they are still subject to wear and tear. You need to take care of them like you would natural teeth, and this includes being careful with what you eat.
Food and drink play a massive role when it comes to All-on-4® implant care. Some edibles and consumables can affect the recovery process and overall condition of the implants and artificial teeth afterward, too.
Below, we’ve outlined foods (and drinks) to avoid, especially in the recovery process.
- Avoid any hard and crunchy foods, like nuts, popcorn, and candy. They can put too much pressure on your dental implants when you bite. This can lead to micro-movements which compromise the integrity of the dental implants, and impact the osseointegration process. Stick to foods with soft textures where possible, especially during the early stages of the recovery period.
- Any sticky foods, like toffee and caramel, should be avoided. They aren’t ideal for people with All-on-4® dental implants because they tend to cling to the prosthetic teeth and implant area.
- It is best to avoid hot food and beverages in the first few days after surgery. After the All-on-4® surgical procedure, the site can be especially sensitive post-operation. Consuming hot food or drinks can be detrimental and increase pain/discomfort.
Renew Your Smile at Next Smile Australia
Start the journey to renew your smile today by booking an obligation-free consultation with Next Smile Australia today. If you want to learn more about the All-on-4® treatment, you can chat with one of our All-on-4®-certified dental surgeons today.
During this consultation, you can ask any questions regarding the procedure. A Next Smile Australia All-on-4® dental surgeon will also assess your eligibility during the consultation by assessing your dental and medical history and taking jaw scans and any required dental x-rays.
If you’re deemed eligible for the All-on-4® treatment, they will work with you to create a treatment plan that suits your goals and needs. Where applicable, they will also explain other treatment options that are available to you. They will also provide information regarding treatment timelines, managing expectations, pricing, and aftercare instructions.
All-on-4® procedures are carried out in Next Smile Australia Super Clinics. Most of these Super Clinics feature state-of-the-art surgical rooms and in-house dental labs where the teeth are made. The industry leader Nobel Biocare supplies all of our dental implants, and we follow the two-bridge Malo Protocol system.
If you have any questions about eating with All-on-4® dental implants, the recovery process, or want to book a consultation—contact us today. The Next Smile Australia team would love to hear from you and help you renew your smile.