Ask Dr Toof

What foods should I avoid after getting a dental implant?

LAST UPDATED:

October 9, 2025

Category:

Q:

Hi Dr. Athirah, I’m a 35-year-old from Kuala Lumpur and I recently got dental implants. I know taking care of my new teeth is super important, and I want to make sure I’m eating the right things as I heal. Could you please tell me what foods I should avoid after getting a dental implant? I’ve heard some stuff about soft foods being okay, but I’m not sure what else to look out for. I really want to enjoy my meals without risking any issues with my implants. Thanks a lot for your help!

- Our follower on social media

Hi there! First of all, congrats on your new dental implants. It’s great that you’re taking proactive steps to ensure your recovery goes smoothly. Let’s chat about the foods you should stay away from while you’re healing up. It’s all about being gentle with your new implants at this stage. Starting off, try to avoid biting into hard and crunchy foods like nuts, hard candies, and crusty bread. While they might be tasty, these foods can put a lot of pressure on your implants, which aren’t fully ready to handle yet. We don’t want anything to loosen or fracture those new teeth. Next up, steer clear of sticky foods like caramel and toffee. While they might be a delight to eat, they can get stuck around your implants and gums, making them tricky to clean. And when you can’t clean properly, you increase the risk of gum infections, which is something we definitely want to avoid during your recovery. Also, be mindful of spicy and acidic foods. In Malaysia, we all love our sambal, but maybe hold off on it as well as citrus fruits until you’ve fully healed. These foods can irritate your gums, causing discomfort and slowing down the healing process. You’ll be able to enjoy them again soon, don’t worry! It’s also important to avoid foods and drinks that are too hot or too cold. Your new implants and the surrounding teeth can be quite sensitive to temperature extremes, so stick with lukewarm choices. This will help you avoid any unnecessary discomfort as your mouth gets used to the implants. Lastly, always stay in touch with your dentist. Regular check-ups are key to ensuring your implants are set right. If you feel any discomfort or pain, schedule a visit as soon as you can. Your dentist can give you personalized advice, check your healing progress, and adjust your diet recommendations as needed. Following these tips and listening to your dentist will help you enjoy your meals without any worries!

About The Author

MDC 11249

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Jordan University of Science and Technology, 2018

Dr. Athirah is a highly skilled and dedicated dentist with a special focus on dental surgery and endodontics. She co-founded Dr Toof Dental Clinic to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry.

Do you live near Kajang Perdana?

Come visit our clinic and have a chat with our friendly dentists.

Nak tahu harga rawatan gigi?

Sedang survey harga rawatan? Jom semak harga rawatan gigi