PERI-EDU Patient Education
Nutrition and the Health of Tissues Around Dental Implants
Learn how balanced nutrition, metabolic health and cooperation between your dentist and dietitian can support healing and long-term care around dental implants.
Peri-implantitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gums and bone around a dental implant. It can lead to progressive bone loss and, if untreated, may compromise the stability of the implant.
The health of peri-implant tissues depends on more than local oral factors. Nutritional status, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, metabolic disorders, immune response and tissue regenerative capacity may also influence healing and inflammation. Diet cannot replace daily oral hygiene, professional maintenance or dental treatment, but it can be a valuable part of comprehensive prevention and care.
How can nutrition support peri-implant tissues?
Glucose control
Maintaining appropriate glucose levels supports normal healing and may reduce the risk of impaired osseointegration.
Oxidative balance
A varied diet rich in vegetables, fruit and other antioxidant sources supports the body’s natural defence mechanisms.
Inflammatory response
Overall diet quality can influence chronic inflammation and the activity of the immune system.
Tissue regeneration
Adequate energy, protein, vitamins and minerals provide resources needed for tissue repair and bone metabolism.
Five practical steps after implant surgery
- Limit high-sugar and highly processed foods, particularly during the first days after surgery.
- Follow the recommended food consistency. A liquid, puréed and then soft diet may be advised for 7-14 days, depending on your clinician’s instructions.
- Choose nutrient-dense meals based on appropriate protein sources, healthy fats and vegetables.
- Include foods commonly associated with a balanced anti-inflammatory dietary pattern, such as olive oil, berries, vegetables, nuts and unsweetened green tea, if suitable for you.
- Stay hydrated. Follow your clinician’s advice regarding fluid intake, especially if you have kidney, heart or metabolic disease.
Dentist and dietitian: collaboration matters
Dietary assessment can be particularly useful for older adults and for people with diabetes, obesity, malnutrition, diagnosed nutrient deficiencies, restrictive diets or chronic diseases that affect nutritional status and oral health. A dentist evaluates local conditions, diagnosis, treatment and biofilm control, while a clinical dietitian can assess dietary habits and help identify nutritional risks.
Individual advice is essential: recommendations may need to be adapted to your medical conditions, medications, allergies, swallowing ability and the type of surgical procedure performed.
View the patient leaflet
Download the patient leaflet
Download the two-page PERI-EDU leaflet with practical information about nutrition and the health of tissues around dental implants.
Patient information: This material is educational and does not replace an individual examination, diagnosis or treatment plan. Contact your dentist if you notice bleeding, swelling, pain, discharge, implant mobility or other changes around an implant.
The PERI-EDU project is co-funded by the European Union under grant agreement No. 2024-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000251208. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE).