By Dr. Eastwood – Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Fort Worth, TX
Patients sometimes ask me, “Why no dairy after dental implants?” You may have read or been told to avoid milk, yogurt, or cheese after surgery. This advice shows up on some older aftercare sheets, but the truth is, I don’t see any problems with patients having dairy products after implant procedures.
The idea of avoiding dairy comes from outdated recommendations. Years ago, it was thought that dairy might increase the chance of nausea after anesthesia or interfere with healing. Others suggested dairy could create more mucus in the mouth, making it harder to stay clean after surgery. While these concerns made sense at the time, modern research and experience show that dairy does not negatively impact healing after implants.
In fact, dairy products can actually be helpful after surgery. Foods like yogurt, milk, and cheese are soft, easy to eat, and packed with calcium and protein, which are important for bone health. Since implants rely on the bone fusing strongly with the titanium or zirconia post, getting enough nutrition—including calcium—supports long-term success.
At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, I encourage patients to focus on eating soft, nourishing foods in the first few days after implant surgery. Yogurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, and soft cheeses are all great choices. As you heal, you can slowly return to your normal diet while protecting the implant site from too much pressure.
I also use advanced techniques like immediate implant placement, zero bone loss principles, custom healing abutments, and highly polished zirconia components to help ensure predictable healing and long-lasting results.
And as always, my office is a no judgment zone. Whether you’ve had missing teeth for years or are just starting your implant journey, I’m here to support you—not lecture you.So, why no dairy after dental implants? The truth is, that’s an older recommendation that isn’t relevant anymore. Dairy is safe to eat after surgery and can actually help your body heal. If you’re ready to explore implants, schedule a consultation at Summerbrook Dental & Implants in Fort Worth, and let’s build a plan for your healthiest smile.