Adults Have Many Options Today to Get Straighter Teeth

Because a dental implant is implanted into your existing jawbone, it is important that you take the steps to keep your bones healthy and strong. If your bones are fragile, possibly from osteoporosis, your dental implant could fail. In some cases, if your jawbone lacks the adequate density, the dental implant procedure will not be done – at least not at first. Alternatively, an additional surgery may be necessary in order to add on to your existing bone, such as bone grafting, so that the dental implant procedure can be performed at a later date. In the meantime, you can do your part by eating the right types of food to help strengthen your bones. The below three foods have the ability to improve the strength and density of your bones, which may be able to help improve the overall success of your dental implant:

1. Pumpkin Seeds.

Did you know that roughly 65 percent of your body's magnesium content is found within your bones? Just like calcium is important for your bone health, magnesium is recommended as well for your bones. Unfortunately, most people aren't getting the adequate daily intake of the nutrient. Pumpkin seeds are one of the best magnesium-containing foods that you can consume. You'll also benefit from other nutrients in pumpkin seeds, including copper, zinc, vitamin K – all of which are good for your bones. So, sprinkle some pumpkin seeds onto your salad or chop them up and add them into a hot bowl of morning cereal or oatmeal.

2. Walnuts

Walnuts contain a ton of protein and fiber, but they also have a healthy fat known as alpha-linoleic acid (ALA). This fat is good for your heart as well as your bones. One study shows that walnuts are able to reduce bone breakdown thanks to the ALA found in the nuts. Walnuts make for an excellent afternoon snack or an addition to a healthy fruit smoothie. Like the pumpkin seeds, you can also add chopped walnuts to your breakfast cereal/oatmeal or lunch salad.

3. Beans

Beans aren't the most easily digestible food out there, but they are extremely good for your overall health, including your bones. Beans are a high-fiber food that contains lots of other vitamins and nutrients that are essential for healthy bones. Beans contain helpful components, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, protein and phytates – all of which work together to help strengthen your bones and prevent bone loss. Beans are the perfect food to throw in the slow cooker before you go to work in the morning so that dinner is ready when you get home. You could also opt for organic coffee beans for your morning cup of coffee or a bean salad.

For more bone-strengthening foods or to find out if you're a candidate for a dental implant, contact a local dentist, such as Schirmer Dentistry, or oral surgeon and schedule an appointment.