“Can you chew gum with implants?”
I will get 2 dental implants. Can you chew gum with implants?
9 Answers
DentalHygienistDentist
Yes, you can chew gum after getting dental implants, but it's best to avoid it during the initial healing period. Right after implant surgery, it's essential to let the implant sites heal and integrate with the jawbone without unnecessary pressure. Chewing gum too soon could disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Here’s a guideline for chewing gum with dental implants:
During the Healing Period
Avoid Chewing Gum for the First Few Weeks
During the first few weeks after surgery, it’s best to avoid chewing gum entirely. The implant needs time to bond with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, and excess pressure or repetitive chewing motions can interfere with this.
Stick to Soft Foods
In the first few days, a soft food diet will reduce strain on the implants and allow them to stabilize. Foods like smoothies, yogurt, and mashed potatoes are ideal for minimizing stress on the surgical sites.
Once Healing is Complete
Chewing Gum in Moderation
After your implants have fully integrated with the bone, which typically takes 3-6 months, chewing gum is generally safe. However, it’s best to chew gum in moderation to prevent unnecessary stress on the implants and surrounding teeth.
Choose Sugar-Free Gum
Sugar-free gum is better for your oral health and helps protect against plaque buildup around the implants and natural teeth. Look for gum with xylitol, which can help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
Monitor for Any Sensitivity
If you feel any discomfort or sensitivity while chewing gum after the healing period, it may be best to avoid it and discuss this with Dr. Egan at your next follow-up.
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan will provide personalized guidelines on what to eat and how to care for your implants during recovery. Following these recommendations will ensure a smooth healing process, allowing you to enjoy a confident and functional smile with your new implants.
During the Healing Period
Avoid Chewing Gum for the First Few Weeks
During the first few weeks after surgery, it’s best to avoid chewing gum entirely. The implant needs time to bond with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, and excess pressure or repetitive chewing motions can interfere with this.
Stick to Soft Foods
In the first few days, a soft food diet will reduce strain on the implants and allow them to stabilize. Foods like smoothies, yogurt, and mashed potatoes are ideal for minimizing stress on the surgical sites.
Once Healing is Complete
Chewing Gum in Moderation
After your implants have fully integrated with the bone, which typically takes 3-6 months, chewing gum is generally safe. However, it’s best to chew gum in moderation to prevent unnecessary stress on the implants and surrounding teeth.
Choose Sugar-Free Gum
Sugar-free gum is better for your oral health and helps protect against plaque buildup around the implants and natural teeth. Look for gum with xylitol, which can help reduce bacteria in the mouth.
Monitor for Any Sensitivity
If you feel any discomfort or sensitivity while chewing gum after the healing period, it may be best to avoid it and discuss this with Dr. Egan at your next follow-up.
At Elite Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Oklahoma, Dr. Jeremy Egan will provide personalized guidelines on what to eat and how to care for your implants during recovery. Following these recommendations will ensure a smooth healing process, allowing you to enjoy a confident and functional smile with your new implants.
yes
Yes you can. Avoid lateral forces on implants like jerky and licorice that cause a lateral ripping motion to tear the food.
Yes. But if you have implant crowns that are cemented in place, you always run the risk of loosening them with certain types of gum. If they are screw-retained, you should be fine. Michael Conrad, DDS, PC
The short answer is yes, you can chew gum with dental implants. However, there are still a few things to keep in mind when chewing gum with your dental implants. You want to make sure the gum you're eating does not contain any sugar.
Gum can be harmful with teeth and with dental implants as well. The repetitive loading can shorten the life of both.
Yes you can
Once the implant is fully integrated and restored with a crown you can chew sugar free gum.
Once an implant is firmly in place you can chew gum. The non-sticky kind, like sugarless gum, is OK. You might limit your use of sticky bubble gum, or candies with caramel. Best to wait 8 weeks after implant is in place and the crown is cemented. Dentist
